Dave, not being a waterfowler, I didn't chime in. Just caught up with this topic. BSS would've been my #2 suggestion to you for a gun that will work for ducks and can also make a decent Sporting Clays sxs. My #1 suggestion is one that's seldom seen: Ithaca SKB Model 100 Magnum. Almost all the 12ga Ithaca SKB's were 2 3/4" guns (while all the 20's were 3" . . . go figure!) The 100 magnum was the exception. 30" barrels, 3" chambers, factory recoil pad. But you could look and look for one of those, while there are plenty of BSS 12's on the market. You done good. I favor lighter guns than that for toting in the uplands, but that could also be a good late season pheasant gun.