Well, The 28, if you point it right, kills Roosters. I killed 23 Roosters last year, with a couple of 28's...Pawkuh and CZ. Over a pointing dog (is there any other kind?), no really long shots. I have been messing with 28's for a long time, not addicted. My favorite was a Remington 870, paid about 90 bucks, killing machine. I lived in Iowa, and shot lots of roosters, when there were some...I dont pay much attention to pundits like Larry Brown, who I think talk more from what they read, than what hey shoot...If it works for you, shoot it, otherwise pass it along...
Don't sell Larry Brown short, he's the real deal when it comes to pheasants, going 27 straight with a 28-ga. S x S...mucho better than your little string.
