The best slug guns I've found are the bolt action types. The barrels are typically fully rifled; not just a screw in choke. I personally use a Browning A-bolt 12 guage. I wouldn't trade or sell it for the world. Unfortunately, Browning discontinued these sometime ago and they are now selling on gunbroker.com for over 2000; I didn't pay near that. The bolt actions perform best with sabots.

the cheapest bolt action slug gun's that i'm aware of are made by Savage but the new ones are over your budget.

Based on your budget, your best bet would be to find something used.

I have a 12 gauge Remington 870 Wingmaster, handed down to me from my grandfather, through my father. This shotgun is awesome, and it has been well taken care of. The great thing about this model is that I am able to hunt deer with slugs, turkey, and I have also hunted duck, dove, and quail with this shotgun. My patterns are as good without a choke, as my buddies with them. The Wingmaster would be higher than you're budget, but I have several friends that hunt with the Remington 870 Express, and they absolutely love them. The 870 Express is not much higher than your budget.

A Mossberg 500 combo with a vent-rib barrel and a rifled deer barrel lists for $450 and sells for less. Remington also offers an 870 Express set with a bird barrel and an iron-sighted, fully rifled slug barrel. I bought one for my younger son a couple of years ago for about $450. Either one would be a good choice for you.

Forgot to mention; I've heard good things about mossberg as far as accuracy but with a low budget manufacturer such as mossberg fit and finish are typically the complaints. I don't own one; just what I've heard from buddies.

Although the 870 can be a great gun, especially for the price, its not the best shotgun for deer. The best shotgun for deer is the Ithica Deerslayer. When it comes to accuracy and dependability, it is second to none. I have never shot a more accurate shotgun with open sights. I have seen many deer fall by way of my Father's and my own Ithicas at ranges exceeding 100 yards. If you havn't looked into a Deerslayer, then I recommend you do, you wont be disappointed.

Check out NEF/H&R shotguns if you are looking for something cheap, yet effective. They have good slug barrels and make a 24 inch (seems short on this gun) turkey barrel with an XF choke.

Prefer the 870 myself, used ones are a good bargain most places and invest tin the cantilevered rifled barrel , a red dot, keep a smoothe bore for general use, and you won't ever be disappointed.

That would be "Saddle mount"

Does anyone have any feedback on a Franchi highlander in 20 gauge, I am interested in using the gun as a nostalgic, yet versatile addition to my arsenal?

H&R Ultra SLUG 12 ga under 250.00 here in ohio nothing quite like a submoa 12 Gauge ;)

oops changed picture ID didnt think it would change all post..oh well see my photo

I purchased a Mossberg 500 combo last year,And beleive you me its worth every nickel.I consider it to be the 30-30 of Slug slingers,A true working man type of fire arm.Granted its not a fancy piece,but otherwise its performance in the bush leaves nothing to be desired.Accurate with a smooth action and it handles well for its purpose.I hunt in some pretty rough terrain covering brushy timbered out lots with Honeysuckle thickets and rocky hillsides.It aint for delicate sensibilties nor fancy made shotguns.From southern Ohio bucks to northern Ohio pheasant and quail,The 500 combo does quite impressively.