"Poking" the gun at a target is a system that makes lighter guns shoot very similar to heavier guns and works pretty well if most targets are pheasants or quail on the flush. However, not all game is shot under those conditions, so a little extra weight is a help for those who only shoot their bird guns during hunting season. An experienced wing shot who fires hundreds of rounds through his little guns during the off season can be a deadly shot with a sub six pound gun. Those who choose not to do this off season practice have little chance to shoot well with a 5 3/4 pound gun during the season. In my opinion, a 6 3/4 pound 20 gauge Model 21 is a near ideal all around bird gun for most shooters.