ironraven, I certaintly concur that the 12 is the most versatile gauge going. Even a non-reloader can pick easily up anything from 7/8 to 1 1/2 oz loads in 2 3/4" (alhough I have no need for those big loads ... 1 1/4 oz. will do for the uplands).

My purchase of the 16 was a fortunate luxury. I already have an alloy-receiver Beretta 686S Ultralight over/under in 12 ga. that is a gem for all-day walking. It actually comes in an ounce or two lighter than my 16 or my 20. But there is something fetching about the proportions/lines of well-crafted 20s and 16s.