16ga.com ~ View topic

That is true for most upland situations BG. However, I can remember a few long days in the dove fields in the South where recoil could be a very real factor. I ended up with a 28 for duty there with entirely good results. I did not own a 16 back then. I don't think I could make it through a long day of pass shooting with a sub 6 pound, 16 gauge and even 7/8 ounce loads.

However, for an average pheasant, grouse, quail, snipe, whast have you outing, recoil is not a factor, even with an occasional long range thumper for ammo.

But in truth, I would not be a good game shot without lots of practice on the skeet and trap fields. Here, recoil is a very real problem. A acquired flinch helps no one shoot well. Plus, I shoot the best on game with guns I shoot a lot. So, my reasoning is based entirely on what works best for me. I'm basically a pragmatist in this respect.

However, I fault no one for following his own drummer here. Use what suits you to your own best advantage. Nobody is going to pull the trigger for you or take the blow on the shoulder and cheek either. It's a most personal thing, this business of which gun and load we choose. As long as the bird is cleanly and quickly killed, that is the most important aspect of hunting.