A couple of years back I found myself without a shotgun at the start of dove season. Well i borrowed the father-in-laws 16 guage pump, dont remeber what it was, it was pretty old though, but let me tell you what, I never in my life shot that good as I did that season. I dont know why but I was taking dove out to 60yds with that 16 using 7 1/2 shot. I was impressed to say the least.