I have an 870 SM, and I can tell you that though it'll drop a bird in a heartbeat, it's way too heavy to be lugging it around in the ready position all day long. (my arms are still beat from last Saturday!). I'm seriously considering a crack-barrel for the all-day upland bird hunts like ruffed grouse, either a 20 or a 12, something around 6 1/2 lbs.