Dig,
I tend to agree with you. But go maybe a little further in suggesting that the gun weight be a match to the loads being shot. The 96:1 formula may work for many for a 1200fps load, but too often here in the states we have game loads that are 1300fps or even higher. Also, I've found I like a no lighter than 6lb even gun for standard 1200fps 7/8 oz 20ga loads.
For some of the 12g loads common for pheasant at around 1 1/4 oz traveling anywhere from 1200 up to 1400 fps, I want a heavy gun, maybe 7 1/2 lbs. But realistically, I don't shoot that heavy of a load that often. Sometimes, I find myself shooting a 20g with 1 oz at 1300 fps on pheasant out of either a 6 1/2lb gas gun or my 6 1/4lb Superposed.
On the other hand, sometimes I shoot a 6 1/2lb vintage damascus 12g Parker with 1 oz going 1150 fps on quail and pheasant and it is a very gratifying gun to shoot.
So, in general, I'm in agreement with you. The lightweight gun chase has limits.
