What can be done to increase the accuracy of slugs in a shotgun?

Utilizing rifled barrels or chokes is essential for increasing the accuracy of slugs in a shotgun. Rifled barrels feature grooves on the inside, which impart a spin to the slug as it travels through the barrel. This spin stabilizes the projectile in flight, much like a thrown football, leading to improved accuracy at longer distances. Chokes can also enhance accuracy by constricting the shot column, which helps to guide the slug's flight path, making it more focused and increasing its potential for precision.

In contrast, smooth barrels without rifling tend to result in less accurate shots when firing slugs, as they do not provide the necessary stabilization for the projectile. Increasing the shot size or decreasing the powder charge wouldn't contribute effectively to improving the accuracy of a slug, as both options would alter the characteristics of the shot rather than enhancing its flight stability or trajectory. Thus, rifled barrels or chokes are the most effective methods for achieving greater accuracy with slugs in shotgun shooting.