Weight is one of several factors regarding frame size. The balance of the gun is an important element, as is how the gun “carries.” If I’m in a duck or dove blind I like a gun with a bit more heft, and one that has enough weight to help my swing. Following a bird dog for miles with infrequent shooting (much too infrequent of late), I like a gun that fits my hand, comes up quickly, and has enough inertia to swing (but swing fast when needed). As Craig noted, a 2 frame Parker 12 is ideal for shooting ducks (or dove) from a blind. A lively 0 frame 20 or 16 can be a blessing to shoot when after Bobs and grouse. A woodcock gun is a topic for another thread.
Parkers are generally heavier, but extremely well balanced. The multiple frame sizes available show the maker’s attention to detail.
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"Doubtless the good Lord could have made a better game bird than bobwhite, and better country to hunt him in...but equally doubtless, he never did." -- Guy de la Valdene (from A Handful of Feathers )
"'I promise you,' he said, 'on my word of honor, I won't die on the opening of the bird season.'" -- Robert Ruark (from The Old Man and the Boy)
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