I field trial my dogs and knocking down the bird is a high priority if I am going to compete. My favorite field trial gun weighs 6pounds 4 ounces, is a 12 gauge, has double triggers and 26" barrels and is a SxS. I shoot it best of all my non-clays guns. I think the weight range you described is probably the best for my game shooting too. I shoot a factory loaded Federal , 2-3/4 dram with 1-1/8 oz of 7-1/2s.
I just get a bang out of sub 6 pound guns. There is no doubt I would be more effective on wild birds if I shot the field trial gun. Obviously I am not subsistence hunting so missing more birds than my usual percentage is not a big deal.
The light guns are a delight to carry, compared especially to the the 8 pound Browning Superposed 12 that I carried for twenty years. But I have no great trouble carrying a 6-1/2 pound gun either.
Best,
Mike
Last edited by AmarilloMike; 05/16/10 09:46 PM.
