As others have noted, the 28 gauge is damn fine for most game. Not my choice for passing ducks but near everything else it's balance of recoil and shot is great. The gent I just duck hunted with is using one this year with HeviShot #4's (um, no I will likely never be the wing shot he is)

Yes, H&R still makes the Pardner - http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/pardneryouth.asp

In addition, I wouldn't hesitate to buy used and if you're willing to go with an extra barrel there are more options than ever.

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