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Dave McC · March 4, 2010, 08:20 PM

Lots of good stuff here. A couple things....

First, like many shotgunners old enough to recall the Kennedy Administration, I prefer lighter loads now than in days of yesteryear.

My standard target load also works on birds up to Grouse size. It's 7/8 oz of good shot. That's 20 gauge territory though I load and shoot it in divers 12s.

The sole 20 here is an 870 Express with 21" barrel. It's a delightful little bird gun and certain death on squirrels.

Weighing 6 lbs, 2 oz, it carries like a walking stick after all these 7 lb plus 12s.

But, Beretta's Ultra Light O/U is on the same action as the other 680s, and weighs about the same in 12 gauge as that sweet little pump. The alloy receiver makes the difference.

One of my "When I win the Lottery" shotguns is that UL with 28" barrels. It'll come in close to 2 lbs less than my 686 White Onyx with 32" barrels and steel action. That one's oneheckuva shotgun but a bit much for walking up game.

Check it out....

March 4, 2010, 08:20 PM	#11
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Lots of good stuff here. A couple things.... First, like many shotgunners old enough to recall the Kennedy Administration, I prefer lighter loads now than in days of yesteryear. My standard target load also works on birds up to Grouse size. It's 7/8 oz of good shot. That's 20 gauge territory though I load and shoot it in divers 12s. The sole 20 here is an 870 Express with 21" barrel. It's a delightful little bird gun and certain death on squirrels. Weighing 6 lbs, 2 oz, it carries like a walking stick after all these 7 lb plus 12s. But, Beretta's Ultra Light O/U is on the same action as the other 680s, and weighs about the same in 12 gauge as that sweet little pump. The alloy receiver makes the difference. One of my "When I win the Lottery" shotguns is that UL with 28" barrels. It'll come in close to 2 lbs less than my 686 White Onyx with 32" barrels and steel action. That one's oneheckuva shotgun but a bit much for walking up game. Check it out....