Gun Review: H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter

The H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter is a single shot rifled shotgun designed for firing slugs while hunting big game. Those familiar with the Harrington & Richardson or New England Firearm (NEF) line of single shot shotguns or rifles with find the Ultra Slug Hunter to be a familiar tool for hunting. The simple line of break open shotguns and rifles is built around a proven system that has stood the test of time and has long been known for affordability and durability. The H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter is just another in the long line of inexpensive firearms from H&R; 1871. With a price of about $250 the H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter provides an affordable choice for those hunting with slugs. While a number of versions are available the two of primary consideration is the standard weight and the Ultra Light. The Ultra Slug Hunter tips the scales in the 9 pound range for the 12 gauge while the Ultra Light Slug Hunter weighs in at just over 5 pounds. The Ultra Light is a much more pleasant to carry in the field while hunting but the trade off is a more substantial felt recoil.

The simple design of the H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter is familiar to many hunters in the United States, but here is a review of the basics of operation. The H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter is a single shot break open shotgun. A release lever on the right side of the exposed hammer opens the action as the barrel pivots away from the action via a hinge. The exposed breech of the barrel is then loaded by simply sliding in a cartridge. The action is then closed by raising the barrel which pivots the action closed. The exposed hammer is then cocked manually when you are ready to fire. The H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter features a transfer bar under the hammer which means the shotgun will not accidentally fire from a strike to the hammer. The transfer bar is only in place for the hammer to hit the firing pin when the trigger is depressed. In addition to the Ultra Slug I have a couple of smooth bore H&R; shotguns as well as an NEF Handi-Rifle and the reliable action has never failed to eject or work properly in any way.

While I have tried a fair variety of slugs in the H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter, I have yet to shoot a 3 shot group under 2 inches which many claim is indeed possible. Admittedly I have not shot many groups due to the cost of the slugs and as I rifle hunt in my home state and only will use the slug gun on infrequent trips to a neighboring state that does not allow rifles. However, almost every slug load tried shot into at least 3 inches or slightly more which is certainly accurate enough for deer hunting.

The H&R; Ultra Slug Hunter is a great value for deer hunters whether they are new to hunting or slug hunting or have been doing it for years and are simply in the market for a new gun.