You might check with CSMC about that Chief, seems to me their latest catalog said both light and heavy 12s are still offered -- though likely higher priced than the intro offers.

Sorry you haven't been able to chase pheasants this season. Numbers I've seen confirm the pre-season counts -- down a lot in both MN and SD. But my springers still give me decent shooting if I put them in good cover and put in the time. This nasty spell of very cold December weather makes it a grind out there. I like double digit better than single digit temps.

Jay