I like my 42 a lot. Its full choked and hammers birds at reasonable ranges. Out to 30-33 yards it is just as effective on early season Dove as any gauge I shoot. I shoot .410 a lot and range/choke selection to me is key. You cant use a .410 Skeet choked gun and kill Dove at much past 20-25 yards tops. A full choked .410 is over choked if the bird gets inside 15 yards but from 15-30 it shines and thats where I try to shoot most of my birds. Dead is dead.

I have a Ruger 28 with .410 tubes. It has a nice feel to it with the tubes in but never tried it on dove. Might be worth a try.