Harrington & Richardson Model 980 Ultra Slug 12 Gauge Single-Shot, 24" Heavy Rifled Barrel, 3" Chamber, Bushnell Scope
This H&R Model 980 Ultra Slug is a purpose-built 12-gauge slug gun with a factory 24" heavy rifled barrel and 3" chamber. It features an 8-groove, 1:35 RH twist cut from a 10-gauge blank, a recessed crown, and a barrel-mounted scope rail. A Bushnell variable-power scope is installed, and the gun is built on a steel receiver with transfer-bar ignition. Manufactured in Gardner, Massachusetts, it is known in period reviews for standout slug accuracy.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Scratches and blemishes are present on exterior surfaces. Small areas of pitting are visible on the finish in a few locations. Rifling is strong, with light buildup noted. The action release lever can stay in the open position and must be pressed back upward to lock the action.
What’s Included
- Bushnell variable-power scope (installed)
- Scope rings (installed)
- Barrel-mounted scope rail (installed)
- Hammer extension/spur (installed)
The Ultra Slug series centers on a factory heavy/bull rifled barrel made from a 10-gauge blank, cut with eight grooves at a 1:35-inch right-hand twist and finished with a recessed crown. This configuration, together with the 24-inch length and approximately 9 lb 8 oz factory weight, supports stability with slugs and was noted in period reviews for exceptional accuracy.
The single-shot break-action uses a pushbutton latch positioned to the right of the hammer. It employs transfer-bar ignition, a single-action, single trigger, and an exposed hammer. A hammer extension is installed for positive control with the scope mounted.
The hardwood furniture includes a walnut-tone pistol-grip stock with a Monte Carlo butt, a ventilated recoil pad with spacer, and fixed sling loops attached with wood screws, paired with a matching hardwood forend. Length of pull measures 14.0 inches.
Optics are the primary sighting system on this model: there are no iron sights, and the gun carries a factory barrel-mounted scope rail with a Bushnell variable-power scope and rings installed. The steel receiver bears a U.S. Pat. No. 3988848 roll-mark, and the barrel shows a proof mark.
Chambering is 3 inches, overall length is approximately 39 inches, and capacity is single-shot. Made in the United States at Gardner, Massachusetts.