Fred, Being from the East I have hunted stocked pheasants, wild Bob Whites, and woodcock with a Remington 11-48, 25" imp. cyl. barrel, and have had no problem doing so. Also was hunting over setters, brittanies. Bought the gun originaly in the service in Germany. Hunted there also and killed 10-12 lb. hares and hungarian partridge.
For me the ideal .410 would be a double with 28" barrels, imp. cyl./full. Plus I would shoot 2 1/2" # 7.5's in the imp.cyl. barrel and 3" # 7.5's out of the full barrel. I think that 3" shells at a close range (20-25 yds.)will hold the pattern too tight.
Like you said you are only shooting over pointing dogs, so the ranges should be in that distance, you should be able to shoot the .410 and do as well with it as with a 20 ga.
Let us know how you make out, I know you will enjoy it, a fun gun and nice and light to carry all day.
Last edited by JDW; 11/19/06 08:29 AM.