Not sure if its more deadly but sure could do about the same damage with a turkey load or buck shot or coyote loads. What i dont get is, guns are not this issue, its the people. Guns are great, fun, and everyone should be taught to handle, care, and respect guns like i was when i was young, like u are with your boys. My kids will and have been around guns there whole life, and i have 2 girls. Very young but they will be doin same as your boys here soon.