Doves may make tiny targets, but that doesn't call for a tiny gun. On the contrary, you need plenty of pattern density out where the target is to put two or three pellets into the front end of a bird as small as a dove. Therefore the 12, 16, and 20 make the best dove gauges. I'd lean toward the 12, if only because there's so much high-quality, inexpensive target ammunition available for it. And on days the birds fly high, a 12 gives you the option of screwing in a tight choke and shooting 11/8 trap-load 71/2s, or even 1-ounce pigeon loads.
At shorter ranges, the higher pellet count of the 12's heavier payload gives you the luxury of shooting a more open choke while maintaining adequate pattern density for clean kills. In areas where nontoxic shot is required-like many state wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges-the 12-gauge 1-ounce load of steel 7s makes a potent dove load.
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