I traveled to SA 10 or so times during the '80s and '90s for high volume doves and on mixed bag hunts. The first trip I shot a 12ga Rem. 11-87 auto with an Ithaca 37 pump in reserve. That didn't work out too well, as the auto stayed broke and the pump kicked too bad.

After that I just took a Browning Citori 12ga with an inch and a half recoil pad and a P.A.S.T. shoulder bra. Never had a problem, and recoil was not an issue. If I ever go again, I'll take a 20ga Citori. You don't need a 12ga, even for ducks and the big pigeons because you shoot lead shot...Geo