Description
You’re in a Missouri hardwood stand, the pre-dawn chill biting at your fingers. A deer moves at 60 yards—a tough shot for a smoothbore, but you’ve got a plan. You need a shotgun that’s more than a scattergun; you need a dedicated, budget-friendly deer slayer that punches above its weight. That’s the exact scenario the Remington 11-87 Sportsman Deer Rifled, 20 Ga, 21″ Barrel was built for. It’s a gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun specifically designed with a factory-installed, fully rifled barrel for use with sabot slugs, transforming it into a highly accurate, short-to-medium range deer firearm. This setup delivers rifle-like precision from a reliable, soft-shooting platform, all at a price point that makes serious deer hunting accessible.
Here’s the thing—when most hunters think “deer gun,” they jump straight to high-dollar rifles or complex muzzleloaders. But for dense timber, brushy creek bottoms, or areas with shotgun-only regulations, a rifled shotgun is a brilliant and often overlooked solution. The 11-87 Sportsman Deer model cuts to the chase. Its 21-inch fully rifled barrel is the heart of the system, imparting a stabilizing spin to a single, powerful 20-gauge sabot slug. The result? You get consistent, minute-of-angle accuracy out to 100 yards and beyond, which is more than enough for most whitetail encounters. The gas-operated action soaks up a significant amount of recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and practice sessions less punishing. At a price of $645.30, it sits in a sweet spot—well below custom rigs but offering far more capability than a makeshift slug gun.
Key Features & Practical Value
The value proposition is clear when you break it down. You’re getting a purpose-built tool, not an adaptation. The factory-rifled barrel means you aren’t spending extra on an aftermarket barrel or dealing with the inconsistency of a rifled choke tube. It’s drop-in ready for sabot slugs from brands like Remington AccuTip, Federal Trophy Copper, or Hornady SST. Just mount a low-power scope on the receiver (which is pre-drilled and tapped), and you’re set. No gunsmithing required.
Choosing the 20-gauge chambering is a smart, budget-conscious move many experienced hunters make. Modern 20-gauge sabot slugs carry more than enough energy for deer, with significantly less recoil than their 12-gauge counterparts. This means you’ll shoot more accurately because you flinch less, and you’ll save money on ammunition—20-gauge slugs are often cheaper. The 21″ barrel makes the gun quick-handling in tight quarters, with an overall length around 41.5 inches. The synthetic stock is durable and weather-resistant, perfect for the varied conditions of a Missouri season. Weighing approximately 7.5 lbs, it’s easy to carry all day but has enough heft to steady your aim.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel | 21″ Fully Rifled |
| Overall Length | ~41.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Action | Gas-Operated Semi-Auto |
| Finish | Matte Blue / Synthetic Stock |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: The primary advantage is cost-effective, out-of-the-box accuracy. You get a dedicated slug gun without a custom price tag. The semi-auto action reduces felt recoil dramatically, a huge benefit for younger shooters or those sensitive to kick. Its reliability is proven—the 11-87 design is a workhorse. The 20-gauge choice is a practical tradeoff that saves your shoulder and your wallet on ammo.
Cons: It’s a specialist. That rifled barrel is only for sabot slugs—you can’t ethically or effectively shoot shot or rifled slugs through it. It’s also a bit heavier than a lightweight pump gun. While the price is good for what it is, it’s more than a basic field shotgun.
So who is this for? It’s ideal for the hunter in shotgun-only zones, or anyone who hunts in thick cover where shots are inside 125 yards. It’s perfect for a younger hunter stepping up from a .243, or an adult who wants an effective deer gun with manageable recoil. It’s also a great choice as a dedicated, no-compromise tool for the hunter who already has a smoothbore for birds and wants a separate, optimized firearm for deer season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I shoot birdshot or buckshot through this rifled barrel?
A: No, and you should not. A fully rifled barrel is designed exclusively for sabot slugs. Shooting shot or standard rifled slugs will damage the barrel’s rifling, create a dangerous obstruction, and will not pattern effectively. This is a dedicated slug gun.
Q: What kind of scope mount does it use?
A: The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped for a standard Remington 11-87 scope base. You can use one-piece or two-piece bases from manufacturers like Weaver or Leupold, which then accept standard rifle scope rings. It’s a straightforward setup.
Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for whitetail deer?
A: Absolutely. Modern 20-gauge sabot slugs from major manufacturers typically deliver between 1,500 and 1,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. That’s comparable to a .30-30 rifle and is more than sufficient for ethical whitetail harvests at reasonable ranges, with the benefit of much lighter recoil.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable, and accurate deer shotgun that delivers serious performance without a dizzying price tag, the Remington 11-87 Sportsman Deer in 20-gauge deserves a close look. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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