If I were setting out to acquire "the perfect bird gun", it would likely be a 20 or 28 sidelock SxS with an English or straight stock, double triggers and splinter forend. It would be stocked rather high and have cast off, dimensioned to to suit me to a "T" , "0" pitch and a LOP of 14-3/8". Nice wood, well checkered and a case-coloured receiver. It would weigh about 6 lbs. if a 20 and a few ounces less if a 28, and balance right through the hinge pins. I could care less if it had ejectors, and actually prefer just extractors. I also prefer a raised game rib as opposed to a concave "swamped" rib. I'd order it with a full leather-covered pad. Choked about the same as my current 12 ... a tight Skeet/loose Imp. Cyl. and Light Modified.
If I could only have one length, 28”
I wouldn't want a 28 inch pump or semi.
For target shooting 28" is fine, for chasing grouse, my Benelli Nova has a factory 24" barrel.
New to me bird gun showed up today. Old Winchester 101 12ga. 26" IC/M. It's a little heavier than my 20 but it was a very good deal and a fine old shotgun.
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Not sure why gun makers don't offer more 24" bbls in pumps and semis, esp in 20ga.
24" Carlson's on a Wingmaster 870. Works and handles great and not lacking imo.
Cubby, what breed is your dog?
The breed is Pudelpointer. The std. for the breed is a longer wirehair coat but there will be a smooth coat like mine occasionally in a litter. I requested a smooth coat as I don't waterfowl hunt any more. They are great dogs for family life, good with kids and don't shed which is a huge bonus over the lab we had before. When I bought mine, there was only 3 breeders in Canada so are not seen often. I've only met one person with mine that even knew what a PP was and they guessed it right. They are very biddable dogs but require a lot of exercise. I normally walk 5km per day but am on holidays the last 3 weeks and have been 10. They love water.
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The breed is Pudelpointer. The std. for the breed is a longer wirehair coat but there will be a smooth coat like mine occasionally in a litter. I requested a smooth coat as I don't waterfowl hunt any more. They are great dogs for family life, good with kids and don't shed which is a huge bonus over the lab we had before. When I bought mine, there was only 3 breeders in Canada so are not seen often. I've only met one person with mine that even knew what a PP was and they guessed it right. They are very biddable dogs but require a lot of exercise. I normally walk 5km per day but am on holidays the last 3 weeks and have been 10. They love water.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pudelpointer
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Cool ........ You going to love that breed. Is that your first?