My 16ga Ory and Duqueene and 28ga WC Scott are both sub 6 lbs. Unless its a dedicated Pheasant gun, I wouldn't consider anything over 6lbs 2 oz for all day carry in the woods. If Im in thick cover, the 28ga with short barrels and a balance point a little further back is best for one hand carry.
In contrast, my hunting partner shoots a 20ga Ruger O/U at 7 lbs even, with 28" barrels, and says it miserable in the thick cover. He's "downsizing" for next season, both in weight and barrel length.

If you are talking about one all around gun that includes pheasants, I would be looking at 6lbs 2oz to 6 lbs 5 oz with 28" barrels as a compromise.

JMO
Hope this helps.

Last edited by ithaca1; 11/02/22 07:22 AM.
Bill Johnson