I remember the days when Western Auto sold brand new Winchester model 37s for $22.95. As a young boy, I would froth at the mouth every time I went in the store, looking at the guns, especially the .410s. I wanted one so bad, but never got it. That was a lot of money back in those days and my parents couldn't afford it.
Besides that, my dad always said a .410 was a good grasshopper shooter, and that's about all.
I did manage to take my second squirrel with a .410, my first being with a 22 rifle. I've also wounded several squirrels later that I never recovered once I got old enough to buy my own .410. The little shell just doesn't have what it takes to bring squirrels out of tall hickories.
Still, I like the .410, but recognize it's limitation. It's a lot of fun if used within it's capability. My dad was right, at least pertaining to a serious hunting shotgun, that the .410 just doesn't cut it.
Ah, but I still like them. Seems I can't get the "boyhood desires" out of me.