FWIW, the heavier Tens require a really firm, smooth impulse into motion -- almost releasing a leaf-spring effect. Getting your torso and arms moving right from the feet on up will move those big boys into the line of flight and and the sheer inertia will follow thru. Just be aware that if you & your boots happen to be very deeply imbedded in mud, you well may follow the gun beyond a balance point -- yours. Happens.
Below ten pounds the needed effort is not so great and a properly loaded light Ten is just delightful for many games. IIRC, the Ithaca Super Ten [2 7/8's]isn't much over 8 3/4 pounds or so. Quite easy to handload. I would advise against shooting any vintage shells you may acquire, especially Super-X's. Those double based Nitro's may not age well. A like new-looking box of them put a nasty nick in the locking interfaces an L.C.Super Ten I had.
Otherwise, long live the fun of ye auld cannons. All honor to their history and use.
