My standard argument:
Chasing bird dogs through hill and dale is inefficient, expensive, and irrational. No matter how rationally I selected the gun to carry in that endeavor it is still an irrational pursuit.
I like light 28 gauges because they are cute and light and their bullets are itty-bitty. I can get a whole box of them in one pants pocket and still have room for my Leatherman.
A 12 gauge shell is now mostly air. But a 28 gauge is mostly full of powder and shot. But the little shells appear tiny next to a 12, especially the 2-1/2" 28s.
In my old age I get to hunt much more than during young and middle age. It might mean less when I miss a bird now than it did thirty years ago.
So if you want some sport take out a 5-1/2 pound 28 gauge and stick a handful of 2-1/2" shells in your hip pocket and kick a couple of competent bird dogs out the truck and onto your bird lease. If you want to be rational drive to the supermarket, buy a chicken and go home and make chicken and dumplings.
