Like many of you, I find subgauges easier to sell (and easier to buy due to lithe lines and weight).

But as a go-to late season gun for heavy roosters and high ducks, I grab a 12 ga. (as I did yesterday). I have a Merkel M8 which Briley fitted with steel-safe chokes and 3 inch chambers for me. Spendy on the re-work, but cheap at $400 for the initial acquisition used.

There is plenty (perhaps the most) utility left in the 12 ga. for gents in pursuit of late season quarry. I used 1.25 oz. #2 steel with an air temp. of 10 degrees, and didn't lose a bird. I dropped BB loads into the chambers when some geese threatened to pass within range, all things you'd have a tougher time doing with subguages.