Those who claim that the 28 gauge will perform as well as a 20 gauge, or better, do so on the basis of the theory that the shot string produced by the 28 is more compact. This would not show up on the patterning board. If the shot string is shorter for the 28, more pellets arrive at the target at the same time and the killing effect is greater, despite the lesser quantity of shot out the barrel. Barrel design and choke have long been held to be a mysterious art. Personal experience has demonstrated that the 28 gauge can produce some very impressive results.

J.K.B. von Falkenhorst