Personally, I shoot 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges as the mood strikes me or the situation demands. However, in most upland hunting such as grouse, woodcock, or quail I prefer 16 gauge because I find it easier to maneuver through thick cover and it has a deadly pattern. Not only is a 16 generally lighter than a 12 but its wrist is smaller making it easier to hold securely in one hand while pushing brush out of the way with the other.

I shoot a lot of different doubles and find many of the light 20s and 28s to be so light that I do not shoot them well. Great gauges in more skilled hands than mine but 16 just seems to be the optimum choice for me for upland gunning.