John,
Yes, I agree, light and pistol grips are not often compatible, esp. with English guns. That's part of why the Darnes interest me. What is the geometry of the stock drop at heel and comb? Seems that many Darnes are pretty high combed, and that will beat up my face a bit.

6.25 would be acceptable. My current, lightest 12 is a 6.5# Merkel with a straight grip.

In a 16, that maybe more doable, but still your point is well taken

I'd not be indisposed towards an American gun. I don't have one actually. Most that I have seen are on the very low end of the quality scale and they seem to be often quite heavy.

I'm shopping, and I have the money at hand now that I did not before. But I am in no hurry. Looking for the right one.

KY Jon, I prefer the 2.75" chamber not so much to buy shells off the shelf, though that is a nice option, but because I often feel that I'm trying to get too much out of a small container and pushing limits. I have had a 2.5" 16 ga, but my experience with short cartridges is admittedly limited.


_________
BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)

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