The difference was immediately apparent once afield.Īctually, this little project had a familiar theme. Next, I lightened my load in every other way possible, including a switch to featherweight boots. The downside? Light guns pose greater wingshooting challenges.īetween the lighter shotgun and a lesser quantity of smaller shells, I was able to dump 2 ½ pounds – not bad. Despite a heavier aftermarket forend cap, its loaded weight (3 shells) is only 6 pounds, 5 ounces. The shotgun is a Beretta AL-391 20 Gauge. Good news! The scale and some math indicated this strategy could eliminate 17.4 ounces of total ammo weight. Looking to shed more weight, I reduced the spare 20s to just ten. Typically, I carried at least sixteen extra 12 gauge shells (to cover woodcock in adjacent cover). Like many other folks who hunt with autoloaders, mine are normally stoked with three shells. The most practical candidate turned out to be a light 20 gauge semiauto.Ĭompared to my trusty 12 gauge, the twenty shaved off an honest 22 ounces – much better than expected! However, this comparison involved unloaded shotguns. Next, I reached into the safe and began weighing shotguns. TV outdoor shows being the cruel alternative, I dragged out a digital scale, accurate to within 1/10 th ounce. The usual12 gauge shotgun best covered the open terrain but spare shells, water for the dog, and various other items added up to lots of weight – even without a pair of ringnecks in the game vest. In my area, pheasants are a rare commodity and, as luck would have it, the one local hotspot was tough going due to steep hills and a maze of old stone walls. My Labrador was looking anxious so, rather than sit out October, I explored every possible way to lighten my upland hunting load. With bird season was right around the corner, the worst part was its timing. Last year I had an unexpected surgery that imposed temporary physical limitations.

Aluminum .410 shell