Anyone know if these are backbored? My cousin just bought one and I figured I'd do some digging and find out if they're OK for use with slugs as sold. He may or may not be deer hunting this year and we want to know if he needs another gun or barrel(if one is available). I'd have him check the manual but I haven't been able to get ahold of him on the phone to tell him.

I was thinking of buying one, but with it being a new model I wanted to try one first before spending the money($337 IIRC at Mills Fleet Farm). We'll see how it performs for him duck hunting this weekend, as well as a few rounds of me test firing it. My cousin and his brother are pretty much thrilled with it, but it's been on the market what-3 months? IMO not enough "real world" testing for me. Might turn out to be a great shotgun, and if it does there's a place for it in my gun cabinet. However, if it's a turd I don't want to deal with reselling it for what will likely be a 25%+ loss.

Call remington and ask?

If used for hunting and you want one I say go for it.  I would not know why a company would make a new pump shotgun that cant use slugs.  If it is to be used as a HD shotgun then I understand your worry and would hold off on it until it has established a good reputation.

Shot it yesterday, OK for use with slugs. Overall a good shotgun but with the light weight and SOFT recoil pad I wouldn't recommend shooting any 3 1/2 inch magnums through it. The pad is soft enough for recoil to just about fully compress it and bring the stock itself into  contact with the shoulder. For anyone not planning on shooting 3 1/2" loads though, that's not an issue.

Shoot some 3 1/2" loads. They are always fun to shoot

I did. 3 1/2s are never "enjoyable" but in that gun they were downright punishing. Recoil was much harsher than the same load in a super mag 870. As I said, I suspect the overly soft recoil pad as much as anything else. If a pad for a synthetic 870 will fit the problem might be solved.