I hunt pheasants over springer spaniels. In my judgment, the 16 gauge is without peer for upland game. My primary gun is a Parker Bros. 16ga, 26" barrels, IC/M, on an 0 frame, which weighs 5 1/4 lbs. It does all the work, I just carry it to and from the field. On rainy or snowy days, I carry a Winchester Model 12, 16 ga, 26" barrel, modified choke, made in 1957, and the pheasants come home just as dead. A little heavier, not as well balanced, not as intuitive, but a marvelous shotgun. I'm sure you will quickly come to love the Model 12 and the 16 gauge. Congratulations and best of luck.