RE: auto vs. over and under
Another vote for the SxS!! Never had trouble getting any of mine to cycle. Now I will admit there are times when the sweet sixteen gets her chance in the field but only when I suspect to find Sharptails grouped.
As far as the o/u goes...and I know I'll ruffle some feathers.. I'd shoot a auto benelli 20 ga before any o/u. But give me my choice of shotgun and a sxs with a splinter is my pick for pheasant. SXS 16 gauge is what I normally take. But if they are going to hold and I have good pointers on the ground I'll have no trouble taking the SXS 28.