I don't disagree about a shotgun. I did consider it as well as my combo gun. But consider this:

Nylon 66 (4 lbs) plus 200 rounds CCI Stinger .22 LR (1.5lbs) = 5.5 lbs .

Remington 870 (6.75 lbs) plus 200 rounds #8 dove load (18 lbs) = 24.75 lbs

All weights are approximations but you get the point.

I get pretty far back into the mountains, and it would not surprise me to break down and have to walk 15-20 miles. No way I'm going to be packing 25 lbs, or even half that, along with my other gear.

As far as the capabilities of the .22 LR, I suppose it has it's limitations. But it has advantages too--less meat damage being one.

No matter what you pick it's a tradeoff.

Regards, Vince