The best thing about a 12 ga?
It's already in your hands.
( unless it's leanin against the tree and you got you pants down...LOL "
I have always adhered to Capstick's advice:
#1 shot...
still plenty big and lots more of 'em to make the pattern dense!
I believe Capsticke did indeed like the shotgun (Win Model 12 IIRC) for trailing up wounded leopards and such. I would bet everything I own that faced with a charge by a large bear he'd want a rifle. (I'd guess his .470 double)