Uhhh...how about both?!

I know 4 singles were much rarer than doubles but have got to think an 8 double for "normal" use with a 4 single for backup situations where you are only going to get one shot anyway (tall grass, etc)would have been a much better/lighter/more affordable combination. That said, I shoot my 4 single much much more than my 8 mostly because it is bigger, no regulation to deal with so easier to use a variety of loads, and because smokeless powder takes most of the pain and abuse out of it.

Bob