I at one time thought a 3 in / 12 ga was the best to hunt with. About 10 years ago I changed over to 20 ga using the new TSS shot. Man what a difference it makes to your shoulder. Not afraid to shot 40/50 yard shots. Every bird I have shot at this distance is dead. Last 2 years have been hunting with a Charles Daily 410 bore, longest shot was 38 yards but stone dead. TSS is about the only way for me to go from now own, plus with the smaller /lighter shotgun it helps on a long walk hunt day , plus saves your shoulder. The price for TSS is high but you are not dove hunting shooting box fulls of shot .ONE WILL DO THE TRICK