Mark, I'm curious why short barrels are in favor in South Texas. I would think it would be the opposit if quail and doves are the game. If I could choose a Parker for those birds, I would order a light 20 bore with 30 or 32 inch barrels. But things and opinions are different in Texas than they are in the North East. I personally like long barrels especially in small bores. If I could order a new Parker today it would be a 28 bore with 32 inch barrels.

I am sure like many in South Texas Mark hunts through a lot of thick Mesquite Thickets.

When talking short barrels down this way, we are talking wild Bobwhites, particularly over dogs. Personally, I prefer longer barreled guns, but if you look at the various upland and Quail "specials" by Browning, Remington Ithaca etc., many are 24". We do often hunt thick thorny mesquite, scrub oak , brushy thickets, and a lot of the old timers around here want a "fast pointing" small bore. Very often the birds must be killed on the rise, as they will disappear into thicket in a flash. The little 00 frame 28, with 26" barrels I just acquired should be a terror on these guys!!!

When talking short barrels down this way, we are talking wild Bobwhites, particularly over dogs. Personally, I prefer longer barreled guns, but if you look at the various upland and Quail "specials" by Browning, Remington Ithaca etc., many are 24". We do often hunt thick thorny mesquite, scrub oak , brushy thickets, and a lot of the old timers around here want a "fast pointing" small bore. Very often the birds must be killed on the rise, as they will disappear into thicket in a flash. The little 00 frame 28, with 26" barrels I just acquired should be a terror on these guys!!!

As an aside, and germane to this thread, I really like the half-pistol grip on my 12 Ga. VH!!!

when the south had plenty of wild quail the short barrels were king most were 26 inch improved cly barrels and some shorter barrels were used two...charlie

I really like this gun but it's 2x my budget.