Saying Hello and looking for assistance

[millirad]

Hello all. I am new to the board. I just found the site last evening. I have got an itch after spending the weekend fly fishing for steelhead on the Methow. I was amazed at number turkeys I saw. I experience this same itch after fishing the Tucannon last August. So I figured why not combine the two activities, fishing and upland bird hunting, on the same trip (seasons permitting of course). Well to get to the point, I have a 12 ga Model 11 and Crescent SxS Peerless 16 ga. I called Remington with serial number and it was manufactured in 1905. As close as I can tell the Peerless around 1922. Both are in great condition and useable. Because of there current condition I am leaning toward preserving them. So, the assistance I am seeking is this. Should I go with Remington 11-87 12 or 20 gauge? Initially I will be hunting pheasant, maybe turkey, and eventually(far off in the future) waterfowl.

I thank you in advance for your assistance.

Bill

[jackelope]

12 gauge hands down.
much more versatile and much less limiting.

[sisu]

12 gauge hands down.
much more versatile and much less limiting.

ditto

[millirad]

Thanks for the replies. I was actually leaning toward the 12 ga. Now only have to decide what flavor. Black synthetic, Camo or wood if available. And yes I know its a personal choice I will have make. Once again, thanks for the replies.

Bill

[high country]

I have 6 12ga's and yet have been carrying my 20ga SxS all season....go figure.

[jackelope]

it's because there's something cool about a double gun....for upland hunting anyway. i have 2 double guns, neither of them have seen the woods in a long time. one's very old, one's not so old. the 12's see the action, which has been mainly turkey hunting and a couple waterfowl trips in the last couple years. that or my skb o/u 20 gauge in the grouse woods.

[jackelope]

Black synthetic, Camo or wood if available

synthetic in one way, shape or form would get my nod in an 11-87. no worries about damage it may incur.

[millirad]

I will be upfront with you. I am novice to bird hunting. Although the 12 ga is more versital, is thier the potential for too much gun for pheasant, quail, etc? Would a remedy be a shorter shell? I handled both the 12 and 20 today. The 20 is definitely lighter to carry. I am always looking to buy new toys in the future.

Bill

[high country]

you are not gonna over gun a bird, you can over choke, but unlike a rifle, you are not gonna hit a bird with 100% of the load. I usually take my O/U 12ga on late season birds, but I have been doing well with my 20 so why not enjoy a lighter faster handling gun and less weight in shells? I would take a 12 as my one and only, but for a quick handling upland gun a 20 is going to be faster every time. you really can't go wrong with either.

[millirad]

Well after doing many hours and miles of looking for guns I picked up a 12 ga 870 wingmaster. I got a good deal on used one and in great condition. Next is to hit the range and shoot some trap. Thanks to all who had replied.

Bill