I went through an M12 period of interest a few years ago. The "featherweights" never were IMHO. The lightest M12s were the earlier nickel steel guns (all the 16s were on 20-gauge frames) and I still have a 1927 16 gauge that has been modified to better eject 2 3/4 shells. It was a 28-inch full choke gun originally, but someone shot steel in it on ducks (in the late 1970s/early 80s) and cracked the muzzle. I put it back in service (it was in non-functional pieces when I got it) by cleaning it up, throwing a few minor parts at it, and then bobbing the cracked barrel back to 26 1/2 inches (& resetting the bead). It's now a shocklingly-decent ~6-lb IC upland "loner" gun that I still occasionally cary for grouse (I grew up with pumps). I even installed a Williams "big head" safety on it (to help with my left-handedness) and it works just fine. If I ever had to use just one gun...
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