16 gauge vs. 12 gauge

[flyfishexpert]

I am looking for a new Upland shot gun. I have my sights set on the 870 Wingmaster in either a 16 or 12 gauge. I am looking for some input as to what gauge I should go with. I know the variety of shells for 16 are quite limited, but are there any reasons why I should choose one over the other?

Thank you for your help.

[pharaoh2]

You said it yourself. Your selection is extremely limited in the Sweet Sixteen. Ammo costs twice as much, as the 12. And the 12 is by far more versitile. You may want to take your scattergun and shoot 500 clays today, pheasants tommorow. Ducks and geese this weekend, then go for a deer hunt next week. Bet you can't do that with the sixteen anywhere near as nice as you can with the good ol' 12. By the way, I own both. But I shoot my 12's way more than I ever shot my 16.

[Howler]

I know the variety of shells for 16 are quite limited,

Well, you named the first reason, plus the shells are generally not as available and are more expensive. The 16 gauge is a favorite of some upland bird hunters that I hunt with, but the price of a box of shells is enough of a deterent for me to stick with a 12 gauge!

[A5Mag12]

If you are set on the 870 go with the 12 ga. as the 16 ga. is built on the 12 ga. frame. There are some true 16's out that would make a fine upland gun. And as to shells, I've never had a problem getting shells to shoot.

[TerryM]

As already stated the 12 and 16 are both built on the same receiver in the 870 so you will be lugging around a 12 size shotgun anyway. 16 shells are not in every corner hardware store like 12 gauge ones are. Now if you had said you found a 16 sized double then I would have a different answer!!!

[HighDesertWolf]

You said it yourself. Your selection is extremely limited in the Sweet Sixteen. Ammo costs twice as much, as the 12. And the 12 is by far more versitile. You may want to take your scattergun and shoot 500 clays today, pheasants tommorow. Ducks and geese this weekend, then go for a deer hunt next week. Bet you can't do that with the sixteen anywhere near as nice as you can with the good ol' 12. By the way, I own both. But I shoot my 12's way more than I ever shot my 16.

Amen!!!

[Briman]

For the exact reasons posted above, if you want a lighter shotgun, you'd be much better off with a 20 ga.

[Jag351]

All that has been said so far is very true. I have an Ithaca 16 that was my grandpa"™s. It is near impossible to tell any difference between it and a 12 when shooting upland loads. The one thing that has not been said though is that there is a certain level of just plain ol' coolness to a 16 that you miss with a 12 or a 20, because not everyone has one and it is always a good conversation starter out in the field. You do pay for being different though, but not a whole lot, Wal-Mart has the 16 now and in the Winchester super x hi-brass they cost the same as the 12. There are just not any of the bargain priced low brass loads to choose from. SO... that's my point of view, probably not helpful, but whatever.

[semi]

i have a 16 ga 870. I love that gun. In fact, i sometimes prefer it over my 12. I have no idea why. Maybe just cuz it's a "16". I find shells in #6 #7 1/2, and slugs for this all over the place. Wal-mart, kmart, gander etc... for the same price as the 12 guage. I got a box of 20 shells for $3 even at gander the other day (#6 shot). I am thinking about using this deer season for the heavy brush. I got a box of 5 2.75 sluts for $1.89 last week too.

[Ruger-Redhawk]

I wouLd go with a 12ga or a 20 over the 16ga. The 16 seems to on a slight comeback. I would love to get my hands on a Belgium Browning Sweet Sixteen though.


Ruger Redhawk