One gun I really regret selling ...

John W
[subject]
Friday, May 29, 2026, 08:34 (5 days ago)

I inherited this French made 16 gauge side by side shotgun when I was young. It is a Berthon Brothers made at St. Etienne Armory . It was a very lightweight shotgun that was a dream to carry.

For some dumb reason, I decided to sell it. I have Dad's Browning Sweet Sixteen Lightweight which will never be sold. But for some reason, I figured to minimize things.

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Here is an image of a nice pheasant I shot at Ocean Lake Wyoming a while back. It is such a beautiful place.

So. I have thought about the idea of some sort of very lightweight gun for upland game and have focused on a 20 gauge 3" side by side or over and under. With modern loads they seem quite capable of most upland game as well as potential waterfowl and maybe a turkey.

I have also contemplated a 28 gauge. With the new 3 inch chamberings it seems like it is no slouch. I have seen a handful of MGM custom Contender G2 barrels in 28 gauge but they are literally like hen's teeth.

So. What would your ideal upland shotgun look like? Just gleaning ideas. Thank you

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I am partial to the early Ruger 20 Ga red Label over under

SPB
[subject]
Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:29 (5 days ago) @ John W

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My 28 gauge Red Label O/U is on the

colleen reeder
[subject]
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 23:34 (4 days ago) @ SPB

smaller frame and is pleasant to carry and shoot. (From Gary)

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That SXS shoot long 16 shells?

WB
[subject]
Friday, May 29, 2026, 13:43 (5 days ago) @ John W

I had an early M12 in 16 that had a short chamber. I didn’t know about it till I sold it. The M12 16’s are on the 20 chassis. I have an early post war (1947) Steven’s 5100 on a 20 frame that kicks the snot out of me with 1 oz. loads! Great to carry, not much fun to shoot a bunch.

I had a Franchi M48 20 too. Felt like 3” 12 ga. No fun at all.

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I believe so but I always shot regular

John W
[subject]
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 17:57 (4 days ago) @ WB

and heavy loads through it.

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I bought a 28 gauge S/S a year or so ago. It is a dream

colleen reeder
[subject]
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 21:03 (4 days ago) @ John W

to carry and shoot and the top end loads will take a pheasant

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The gun is a CZ. Forgot it. I also bought a O/U in 28 ga.

colleen reeder
[subject]
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 21:23 (4 days ago) @ colleen reeder

also by CZ. I also bought a 28 gauge Ruger Red Label. To make sure I didn't trade either of them off I did a bunch of engraving on all three guns.[image]
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A fellow saw my Ruger Red Label in 28 gauge and wanted me to engrave a pic of his favorite hunting dog. Here it is.
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I sorta went ape shit on 28 gauge guns I will post pics of the CZ O/U and S/S when I can find them on this new computer. All 3 guns are extreme light weight field guns and a breeze to carry all day.

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For pheasant size critters a good 20 gauge

colleen reeder
[subject]
Sunday, May 31, 2026, 15:01 (3 days ago) @ John W

will be all you need. A 28 gauge with tight choke would be a good way to go for those a fairly close range shots. I have used my 20 gauge Beretta Silver Snipe S/S for game up to large Jack rabbits for years and it hasn't let me down yet. I haven't had the Ruger or CZ in 28 gauge long enough for either to be a "go to" gun. Our Jack Rabbits are much larger and much harder to stop than the cotton tail bunnies back east.

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When I was looking at CZ shotguns I saw this one

colleen reeder
[subject]
Monday, June 01, 2026, 11:05 (2 days ago) @ John W

I bought it and sold it almost as fast. It was just too pretty. I sold it and bought a CZ 20 gauge O/U. [image]
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