Whether or not it makes a difference to where you hunt, some privately owned land won't permit 12 gauges for quail. If you are considering a gun from the UK, a 16 ga. BLNE made between the wars will usually run under 6 lbs. and the cost will be lower than a 20 ga. in the same condition and maker. An Ithaca SKB 100 in 20 ga. weighs just under 6 lbs. depending on barrel length and wood density and in very good condition will be about $1K. Gil