I currently use a 20ga Ithaca 37 LT pump (5lb) with a legal limit cut barrel (18″), cyl.choke with the forcing cone lengthen, shooting 2 3/4″ #4 Federal copper-plated buffered lead mags (old duck loads). Best grouse gun for wingshooting I own and I have acquired numerous shotguns over the years (I’m older than dirt). It has an extremely open pattern which is why the heavy load and large shot. This will bring down a bird with a one pellet hit though heavy cover. Also the open pattern keeps you from blowing up your dinner! It’s pretty hard to miss with this gun. Try it you’ll like it as I did.