In 1969, half of all people in the US were under the age of 50. In 2012 more than half of all people in the US are older than 50. When you are older, lighter is better. Further, most of us are content to shoot a brace in the afternoon and call it a day. There are no great hordes of game to be taken, and a light sub bore will perform the "brace and done" task as well as anything bigger.
On Thanksgiving day, I will visit an old haunt from my past in search of grouse and pheasant. I'll have a 12 along, either a Browning A5 that my Father bought when he made staff sargeant in 1952, or a Mossberg 500.
The place is a federal WMA and requires non-toxic shot, so either gun I use will be loaded with steel 6s. If you must use steel, use it in a 10 or a 12. I dislike the pursuit of wild birds with steel, but, I dislike sitting in the house on Thanksgiving morn, with the women folk, preparing the Thanksgiving meal, even more.
Best,
Ted
