agree with those that say to decide based on fit--that's by far my biggest consideration. The autos with shims are great, although I prefer an O/U, and beretta along with most of the italian-made brands fits me hands-down better than browning. For the uses you described my own preference would be to stick with a full-size (i.e. NOT "ultralight" model) 20ga simply to have enough heft to dampen recoil and add shootability, and massively larger ammo and component availability compared to a 28. IME a 28 will do what you want but is a better second gun than primary especially if you hunt anywhere nontoxic shot is mandated--there are some well-known pheasant areas with that requirement, its not just a waterfowl thing. Nice thing about a double is zero issues with cycling lighter loads if recoil is an issue. They are a bit more expensive, but to me I can get a slightly heavier gun that still handles faster than most autoloaders--that's the best of both worlds. Dont write off sticking with a 12ga either, you'd have the benefit of ammo and component availability from any mom and pop hardware store and much better nontox selection where its required, and can still use 20-gauge equivalent loads for anything you want--several manufacturers make regular 1oz 12ga clays loads which are also great for a lot of bird hunting (or even lighter if you reload, I shot tens of thousands of 3/4oz 12ga handloads for years at clays with less recoil fatigue and no feeling of being handicapped by it).
if you really get into sporting clays you'll probably have a 9-10lb dedicated clays gun at some point anyway. Ask me how I know!
if you really get into sporting clays you'll probably have a 9-10lb dedicated clays gun at some point anyway. Ask me how I know!
