I've got a CVA 12 Gauge SXS that I have taken everything from Woodcock to Partridge to Canada Geese with. Versatile and light to carry, there is a reason the double barreled twelve was so popular and prolific a long gun in America.
These were mostly known has covert guns James Rowntree the builder of the first percussion cap gun built several of these in small bore double barrel with short barrels .There were many British Double guns made with short tubes in small bores(20>16g) as we had lots of tight woodland and short range shooting. Forget about chokes. They weren't around as such in M/L times and guns can be loaded to compensate. Less powder, less wadding and more smaller shot((7's) There appear to be few doubles made after 1820 with tubes over 32"..So sorry you don't have access to the range of game guns we have here. I had the privaledge to shoot Grey(English) partridge with a Double John Manton 17b Flint gun over Stubble with Springlers in the 70's. It had 26" tubes.. LUCKY OLD DOG..
Same here. I got a lab/peroneese mix when the kids started on birds. He was a rescue dog. Got birds when I hit them, unless they were in thick brush. (Get a small bird dog) I think he’s an animal rights activist though, he keeps warning them i’m coming, and chasing them away.I hunt grouse with a single barrel 16 bore flintlock, no choke. 42" barrel and 7 pounds on the nose. I must say I have a lot of fun. But seldom eat grouse.
The past two years I have had a bird dog. That is, I have a dog who flushes birds, sometimes while within 25 yards but occasionally 90 yards, and DEFINATELY helps locate them if hit. But he's an Airedale and I'm no trainer; so it ends up he has a ball and gets exercise. I get exercise. The grouse get exercise. Everyone wins.