For some kinds of hunting, I would say light guns are just essential; sort of a "necessary evil" because, yes, they do kick, and yes, they MAY encourage poor shooting techniques, but, as they say, "Shotguns don't kill grouse, legs do." And for all the miles you have to put in to score a grouse (MPG= miles per grouse), any extra pounds per shotgun are a handicap. And the gun HAS to be quick, meaning you have to still be able to mount and shoot fast and well in spite of exhaustion....
And THEN there's chukar hunting: same problems SQUARED, plus heat and altitude, and canyons to fall into. (How much does YOUR parachute weigh?). Ideal chukar gun: carries like a .410, shoots like a 10.
Hunting guns are always a trade-off between "the perfect carrying gun" and "the perfect shooting gun." It still being a free country, we get to solve that dilemma our own ways, according to our grit, gut/age, bucks, and taste. Keeps it fun.
By the way, Happy Independence Day to all--with Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday!
