I have been going through the same decision process over the last few months. Everything that has been suggested about size andfeel is dead on. As far as weight of a 12 ga o/u, in the price range that you are looking, it will be around 7 lbs +/-. About the same weight as most middle-of-the-road pump actions in a 12 ga. I'm looking at a 20 ga for my o/u. Good luck.