is a 20 gauge with a 2 3/4 in slug shell to small for deer? Id like to use it if possible this season, but i can find a rifle if i have to.

It can take down a deer, you can take down a deer with just about anythign if you place the shot right

Well that said. Yes you can take a deer with a 20 gauge with 2 3/4 inch slugs. I would limit your shots to 70 yards or less just becasue if you are not shooting a slug barrel I personally feel shot placement would suffer. My Brother shoots a 20 gauge Rem 870 with rifled slug barrel and 3 inch slugs and he has taken alot of deer with it. So no there should not be a problem. It all depends on the set up and how far you plan to shoot.

Froggy

It will sure kill them, but accuracy is a concern, like Froggy said. If you have practiced out to 70 yds and can put every shot into the 4 or 5 inch group then under ideal circumstances it is do able, but if that deer is walking or running or obscured by brush, don't push it.

I shot 5 deer with my 20ga and 2 3/4" slugs, only one ran more than a few feet, and she only made it about 50 yds....

A 410 will take down a deer. I know a guy who shot a very large buck with one a few years ago.

That being said I still prefer my 12ga but a 20ga is plenty.

Yep, a 20ga is more then plenty. Especially if you use Sabots and a rifled barrel.

A 20 ga is plenty to take down a deer. No problem.

Accuracy is great too, with practice.

My father loves to deer hunt, but with age his arms get sore carrying a 12 ga...so he switched to a 20 ga (no rifle zone). He is an excellent shot and has killed deer over 100 yards with his 20 ga many times. Of course, it is best to let them get closer....

A 20 Gauge will work just fine. My First deer was taken with a .410 and my wife shoots a 20, no problem.

ok thanks guys, well i guess i should practice with some slugs

That's the key, practice and practice some more, get to know how your gun shoots the slugs at different ranges and you'll do just fine.

so can i shoot it at a rifle range? also, can i shoot a slug with an improved cylinder choke?

Check with the range 1st but most ranges are ok with slugs. Bill's gun ranges North is close to you and they allow you to shoot slugs. Most rifled slugs recommends IC or C chokes. As you may already know, grabs a couple of boxes or a few different brands slugs and see which slugs your gun likes best. When i shot smooth bore with a C choke. I found Brennekee KO slugs worked great or Federal Truballs.

ok i will do that, thanks alot

btw,
Keep in mind the most expensive slugs maybe not be the best for your slug gun.

Each gun shoots slugs differently. You may want to try 3 or 4 different kinds and see which is best for your gun. Shoot them from a bench rest with the gun on sand bags so you get a true picture of which works best.