vania hunters yet another option to use in the field - one with which many are unfamiliar. For years, the semi-auto was considered less accurate than other actions. But that's been disproven, in a practical sense. And hunting deer with a semi-auto shotgun has some clear advantages compared to manually operated slug guns. A second follow-up shot comes without breaking position to work the action. The action allows for faster recovery of the sight picture. And recoil is softened by a semi-auto action. With their rifled barrels, today's slug guns are accurate beyond 150 yards with the right projectile. Long gone are the days when a slug gun was just a shotgun that shot "punkin" balls using standard shotgun bead sights. And the modern semi-auto shotguns I have shot lately with compatible ammunition, have holes touching at 50 yards, and are nearly as good at 100 yards. For safety's sake, you must remember the chamber is reloaded after every shot, except the last. But if you follow the four basic safety rules - keep your finger off the trigger; keep the safety engaged; always point the muzzle in a safe direction, and ensure the chamber and magazine are empty when not in use - your gun handling will ensure the greatest safety possible. Today's semi-auto shotgun gas systems have evolved to where those chambered for the 3-inch magnum can shoot slugs or sabots in either 2¾- or 3-inch shells. Their styles vary from basic birch wood stocks with a blued rifled barrel GGERS PENNSYLVANIA DEER HUNTERS DECEMBER 2018 59