use pump action 12 gauge shotguns loaded with slugs for defense against both black and brown bears as a formidable weapon under 50 yards. Law enforcement officers are frequently equipped with shotguns. In contrast to traditional buckshot, slugs offer benefits of accuracy, range, and increased wounding potential at longer ranges while avoiding stray pellets. Further, a shotgun allows selecting a desired shell to meet the need in a variety of situations. Examples include a less-lethal cartridge in the form of a bean bag round or other less lethal slugs. A traditional rifle would offer greater range and accuracy than slugs, but without the ammunition choices and versatility. Design considerations The mass of a shotgun slug is kept within SAAMI pressure limits for shot loads in any given shotgun shell load design. Slugs are designed to pass safely through open chokes and should never be fired through tight (or unknown) barrels. The internal pressure of the shotshell load will actually be slightly higher than the equivalent mass slug projectile load, due to an increased resistance that occurs from a phenomenon known as shot setback. Common 12 gauge slug masses are oz, 1 oz, and 1 oz, the same as common birdshot payloads. Comparisons with rifle bullets A 1 oz. (437.5 grain) 2 3/4-inch Foster 12 gauge shotgun slug achieves a velocity of approximately 1,560 fps with a muzzle energy of 2,363 ft. lbs. 3-inch slugs travel at around 1,760 fps with a muzzle energy of 3,105 ft-lbs. In contrast, a .30-06 bullet weighing 150 grains at a velocity of 2,600 fps achieves an energy of 2,250 ft-lbs. A 180 grains bullet at 2,775 feet per second, which is a very common 30-06 load and not its true maximum potential, achieves 3,079 ft-lbs of energy. Due to the slug's larger caliber and shape, it has greater air resistance and slows much more quickly than a bullet. It slows to less than half its muzzle energy at 100 yards, which is below the minimum recommended energy threshold for large game (1,000 ft-lbs is recommended for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk, and 2,000 ft-lbs for moose). A slug also becomes increasingly inaccurate with distance; out to 100 yards, it drops approximately five inches and has a maximum range of approximately 400 yards. In contrast, centerfire projectiles from rifles can travel anywhere from 300-1000+ yards. Shotgun slugs are best suited for uses over short ranges.