Alan,
No matter what gauge, gun weight makes a big difference. My go-to hunting gun is a 16 gauge French built SXS that weighs 5 lbs 1 ounce (with a Pachmyer decelerator recoil pad). While great for hunting you do not want to shoot sporting clays with it, it'll kick the crap out of you! Last time I shot sporting clays with it I ended up with a bruised shoulder that was still a little sore even after four days. However, you couldn't ask for a quicker to the shoulder, easier to carry field gun.
BTW 20 gauge is a good choice from an economics standpoint since 20 gauge ammo is often on sale right along side the 12 gauge ammo.
Steve

Last edited by Rockdoc; 03/25/12 09:48 AM.
Approach life like you do a yellow light - RUN IT! (Gail T.)