Just my opinion, for what it's worth, but I chose a 12ga. Pump, iron sights, and alternating deer slug and military buckshot for that purpose. (00 buck, but is labeled for military use). I grew up with a shotgun in hand, and have no doubt what it will do, and feel like when in use. It's dead simple to operate, even in low light, no mag release to hit by mistake, there are about a dozen extra rounds on the butt stock in elastic holders, in order, buck, ball, buck, ball....
Your choice has to fit your specific needs, and only you can decide what suits your needs best, but shotguns are simple but effective, less expensive, versatile, and you will not be too upset if it gets scratched up, or dinged up. Short shells are available if you want more capacity, as well as many shotguns have magazine tube extensions available.
An unemployed Jester, is nobody's Fool.
the only real difference between a good tracker and a bad tracker, is observation. all the same data is present for both. The rest, is understanding what you're seeing.
