This year I decided to use a mod-choked Model 42 exclusively during the month of October for grouse and woodcock. I used Rem 3" 11/16 oz #7.5s. The bottom line is that I was not handicapped in any way. Last year I passed on one 30+ yd grouse opportunity.
I have patterned this loading at 25 yds and it is certainly adequate to this distance. I've also used this combination on preserve phez - out to 25 yds it kills as well as anything else. Properly directed, #7.5 pellets do not seem to care what size barrel sends them flying - or whether they were initially constituted as a "square load" - oddly enough. I think Federal sells the 3" load in #8 - this might be my choice if I were hunting woodcock (or quail) exclusively.
As to the availability of new, "good", reasonably priced .410 doubles........sure you don't want a Model 42? Used doubles in that price range turn up. IIRC, Julia's auctioned a coupla .410 doubles in the past year.......think one might have been a Francotte.
Sam
