I am a fool, a stupid toad!

[freefall]

A few years ago I bought a Tri-Star double 12 ga from an in-law that needed a few quick $. I paid about twice what it was worth, because of aforementioned.
For the last 3 years I have had it leaning in the corner by my bed in case of Alarms and Excursions with a load of 00 Buck in the right barrel, and a slug in the left, thinking this prepared me for most eventualities. (Have I mentioned I live a few miles out of Wasilla, problems with large 4-leggers are more probable than human)
At any rate, I was thinking of getting a set of express sights installed on the blunderbuss to make it a bit more useful, but thought should check the regulation before spending $ on such.
Took it to the range, set a target at 50', fired 4 rds, the right barrel shoots ON the money 1 1/2" sq of painter tape. The left barrel shoots 5-6" to the left of that.
Not exactly what I'm wanting. Glad I haven't needed it!

 

[Hunt anything]

Put the slug in the accurate barrel and buckshot in the not so accurate barrel, and then hope you don’t just piss the bear off with the buckshot and get his adrenaline up so he can soak up the slug.

 

[JimP]

Sounds about right for a shotgun.

If I lived where 4 legged critters frequented my yard I'd pick up a pump shotgun with a extended magazine.

 

[freefall]

Screw that, I'm back to the pump gun!
Actually, the Marlin .44 mag behind the door is my first pick.

 

[mdwest]

the Marlin .44 mag behind the door is my first pick.

Envious of you on that one...

A buddy of mine had a pristine marlin level gun in 44 mag when we were in college.. was a fun little gun to shoot and about perfect for the deer woods we used to frequent back then (a long shot at that place would have been 75 yards.. most shots were 30-50 yards)...

Ive periodically looked for one like it ever since the late 80's.. but any time I have come across one its either in terrible shape... or the owner thinks he is selling a mid 50's holland and holland new in the box (outrageously expensive)..

 

[freefall]

I would gladly trade you a very nice Marlin for a Mid 50s H&H .450 Nitro! I'd even give you $6 cash along with it!

 

[Luvthunt]

45-70s are more available and you could load it down. Don’t know why but you could.

 

[mdwest]

I love the 45-70 guide gun as well…

It’s simply the nostalgic memory of the specific carbine that I shot so much 35+ years ago that draws me to the 44 mag (the 45-70 would actually be far more practical and versatile for the places I most often hunt today)…

 

[Luvthunt]

Thank you for the reply and THAT I do understand. Good luck in your quest.