2" 12 gauges can, and should be, quite a bit lighter than 6 lbs. Mine is "heavy" for a 2" gun at 5# 9 oz. Most are more like 5# 4oz or less. If you want light, then the 2" is the way to go.

As far as lethality of a 12 bore over a smaller gauge, I don't see it. 7/8 oz out of a 12 is no different than 7/8 oz out of a 20 at the same velocity. I wouldn't say they pattern must differently either, though the current RST 2" loads pattern very well indeed. I'm sure a bit of tinkering with reloading would get you there with a 2.5" 20 gauge just as easily.

Reloading for a 2" 12 is getting easier. Gil and a myself and another friend have come up with a handful of loads that work very well with the 2" gun using easily available components.

I love the 2" 12 just for it's uniqueness. But I do notice that I'm more likely to carry it with my offhand on the forearm rather than having the forearm tucked into my left elbow. For grouse, that gives me just a tiny bit more time and sometimes that helps.

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BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan)

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