I grew up using side by sides and, every now and then, my dad's Model 12 pump. I developed a preference for SXS shotguns that is just that, a preference, and not a rational choice.

Anyone who has the chance should spend a day in Sequim at Sunnydell Shooting Grounds. It is sad we've lost Chuck Dryke but his son, Matt, is still there coaching shooters. Chuck used to say his job was to get you to 98% and stuff like choke, gun type and fit were for the last 2%. My last time there with Chuck Dryke for a tune-up was a day I'll never forget and he sure did the job of making me better with a shotgun. Heck, he had me shooting enough in one day to get the barrels of my SXS hot.