Just to put the recoil of the 28 ga 1oz load in perspective:
The old Winchester 1 oz that was loaded in AA CF hulls was listed @ 1125 fps. (current 1oz loading is 1200fps). Assuming a 5 3/4 lb. gun, recoil energy is 13.4 ft./lbs.
A 12 ga Federal Prairie Storm 1 1/4 oz lead @ 1500 fps & assuming a 8.0 lb. gun has a recoil energy of 26.7 ft pounds.
I find it interesting that a lot of people (not me) find the Prairie Storm load just wonderful for pheasant & don't complain about the recoil.
My feeling is that 1oz of shot is just about perfect for most upland hunting & that's what I normally shoot in 20, 16, & 12 ga guns. I no longer own a 28 but if I did it would be close to a 6lb. gun & I would shoot 1oz in it for most upland hunting & the 3/4oz 1200fps load for clay targets.
Way off topic on the pointing dog issue but I've got to say that I agree with the statement that a flushing dog can be more efficient under some conditions but for me it's more about the experience than it is birds in the bag.
If you don't hunt pointing dogs you will not experience the thrill of a dog on point or better yet, a brace of dogs down with one on point & one backing.
When I was in S. Dakota a couple years ago, I had flown in and not brought a gun. Nope. No 410. Just went to visit with my friends. So, the family insisted I go out with them. Someone handed me a 870 12ga, a vest, and some shells. I didn't shoot for a couple fields as others shot a few roosters. I was walking on the side of a berm on the flank of a cornfield and a rooster headed my way. I fired. I never saw the rooster fold, but others said I hit it. I was busy falling down the berm into the ditch. Prairie Storm! They had a good laugh. I traded out the rest of those shells for some cheapos.
On the dogs, I find both to be really a thrill and enjoyable.
