For the last twenty or so years of my bird hunting, I shot nothing but side by side 20g doubles. A Browning full and mod, and an Ithaca mod and Improved, with a preference for the second. Many dove, quail, and pheasant went down to those two guns, mostly with 9's for dove and 7 1/2 for
pheasant and quail. The little Ithaca is most pleasant to shoot and carry. Never saw the need for a 12 except for turkey.
Paul