keebranch wrote:
Hi Featherlight,
Just to add one more thought- go a little heavier. Let me explain my thoughts. In my past experience I have handled all sorts of shotguns- pumps, autos, singleshots and Over&unders- all were average weight nothing too heavy, but well balanced. At one time, I possessed a Winchester 101 pigeon grade straight stock 12 guage which was considered very light. This gun while easy to carry in the field yet lacked the pistol grip for face-on accuracy, and it tended to dance around when I would acquire a bird. IMO, this gun's swing weight was too light. In other heavier guns, the will be swing more constant and smooth.
Yes, my uncle told me that over the weekend on our rabbit/pheasant hunt. I used one of his older 20 gauge pump shotgun. Very nice a little heavy but didn't even get to shoot. We walked through woods and grass and only kicked up two doe that were bedded down. Found another dead deer that had it's hind quarters cut off. Then we had something running through the tall grass but couldn't see it so I didn't shoot. But it was a lot of fun!