We (yeah, a couple of us) favor a 20 ga. for pheasants over dogs or otherwise holding tight, like around 30 yards max. We use quality #6, 3 or 2-3/4 inch, at mod choke or IC and get clean kills. I think with sixes you get better results from multiple hits. Not that a 20 won't kill farther if set up right (tighter choke for one) and shot well, but just have the urge to go to a 12 beyond that. Some day I'm going to get one of the super light O/Us and select shells accordingly. Each year carrying the lighter 20 feels a little better.
