M-42s are all the justification I need. Otherwise doubt I'd mess with .410s. Never had a .410 during childhood. Must be an oddball - reliving late middle age.

During October a 42 obliges me to pass less than 10% of otherwise makeable WC shots, but almost half the grouse opportunities. Decades ago limiting mattered, no more.

As for the "work" of dissecting .410 shells, analyzing patterns, and playing with chokes - that's just extra fun for a shameless nerd. As for the "money" invested, never once thought to break it down by gauge. Cuz I dig "figuring the science" of 28s, 20s, 16s, and 12s, too.

No bourbon, tho...I hate being up all night with reflux.