Why would I want to pay a premium for the gun & then $12.00-$15.00 a box for shells, not quite the equal of what I can buy for around $5.50 a box, With all the advantages favoring the larger gauge?
I've asked myself that question for years. The only answers that make any sense to me are 1) Challenging myself by using a gun that will make taking game or targets tougher. Or 2) Owning and using a gun that is more likely to appreciate in value over time.
Of course, If I put enough shells through it that cost nearly 3 times as much as the next larger gauge, I will quickly eat up any appreciation in value. I don't know if components to load for 28 gauge are much more expensive, but if I ever find the right gun at the right price, I have a Bair reloading press set up for 28 gauge, and a 28 gauge die set for a Mec. I don't know if jOe's new/old .44 shot gun has any real collector value, but I think it would be interesting and fun to load and shoot.
