Gun weight is a big factor. My 8 lb L.C. Smith 12 gauge is a baby with 7/8 B&P Competition one loads...on the other hand I have a 5 3/4 pound 28 gauge Bernardelli with 1 1/16oz 1300fps number 5 shot that's hurts me almost as much as it does a pheasant. However if the hunt is long....and the hills are steep...5 3/4 pounds knocks the heck out of 8lbs. Good for us that Elsie's come from 6 or so pounds to 9 plus....pick one and have fun. I like to look at them but IMHO made to shoot.