Thank you Small Bore! For all the practical reasons you mention, I eventually went with the light 16. I am still intrigued with the light 12s, however. To even further muddy the waters, I've been able to handle some of the lightweight examples of Lincoln Jeffries and Thomas Turner, who made standard 2 1/2-inch 12s in weights that can rival some of the 2-inch guns. I realise that these types of firearms exist far-out on the margins of practical for most folks, but the examples I've seen were very impressive. I know some folks who consider them to be the ultimate medicine for thin-skinned birds, such as ruffed grouse and quail.

Last edited by Lloyd3; 02/25/14 08:10 PM.