Robert Ruark "The Brave Quail"
The gauge of the gun is an index to the ability of the man to prove his manhood...If it is a 12-gauge, he is so-so. If it is a 16, he is pretty good. If its a 20-gauge, he is excellent, and if it a .410 he is bragging.
You will rarely find a dedicated quail shot who is not a pretty nice guy. He has to be a nice guy, because he is performing for the benefit of his dogs, himself, and his companions, and all are expert in the detection of fraudulent behavior in the field.
(Unfortunately, I've know a few who showed their true selves in the field; selves they could hide in the boardroom or on the golf course.)
BTW: The Old Man's Boy's new gun was a 16g Sauer
https://books.google.com/books?id=J2rlrdSc1cYC&pg=PA140&lpg https://biggamelogic.com/ruarks-guns/