16 gauge. Where can I find one?

BENOUTHUNTIN · 06-06-2004, 12:24 PM

Does anyone still make the wonderful 16 gauge. I have been unable to find any that are still made. I thought that Browning still made the Sweet Sixteen. They still sell shells for it.
Could someone also tell me why they stopped making them???????????
If they are no longer made, maybe someone knows where I can find a used one. What should I expect to pay???

20gaugeNate · 06-06-2004, 05:05 PM

I saw some 16 gauges in the 870's

whelen36 · 06-06-2004, 05:10 PM

remington offers the 16 in it's 870 and 1100 series shotguns, the 870 wingmaster and 1100 are available in the high grade glossy finishes , and the 870 express is also available in the 16

ithaca offers it in thier m37 pump in several grades , field , classic , and the deerslayer

h&r , and new england firearms also offers it in thier single shots

there are also double barrels and over/unders of varios makes in the 16 guage

pharaoh2 · 06-07-2004, 07:42 AM

The reason they stopped making it, or so they say is that their obsolete. they can't compare to a 12 gauge. Thats bunk! I love the 16. They shoot with less recoil, about as good patterning, and their fun. They are superior in pattern density to a 20, but those still sell those like hotcakes. Now that remington started building them again, I hope it's only time before all the other big names take a hint.

BENOUTHUNTIN · 06-07-2004, 09:43 AM

Thanks for the info. I am going to go buy my first 16 gauge.

Does anyone know why they don't make them in 3 inch???????

pharaoh2 · 06-07-2004, 10:43 AM

Never have, and no need for it. The 16 is at it's best as an upland gun. There are few steel loads for it, and the 2 3/4 16 should do the same as a 3 inch 20.

BENOUTHUNTIN · 06-07-2004, 05:02 PM

I was wanting to use it for an waterfowl gun for my nephew. If it is on par with the 20 gauge 3 inch, then it should do.

speyrjb · 06-07-2004, 10:05 PM

That's why they don't make near as many 16 guage guns anymore, because they make a 20 guage in 3". It's basically the same thing. I have an old Browning sweet 16 and I haven't shot it in years. Primarily because the shells are so hard to find and are expensive.

DORR · 06-08-2004, 03:49 AM

Some things to consider...

1) Not since the days of lead shot has a 16 ga. been considered an optimum waterfowl gun. (Enter wiley veterans to tell me how many ducks they still shoot w/ their 16's). Not because it won't kill ducks,but because w/ the advent of non-tox shell requirements it is difficult to find ammo. Before you buy one for that purpose you need to search your local store shelves for available 16 non-tox loads. Also search the major ammo companies' web sites for their 16 ga offerings.

2) The 16 ga.'s traditional advantage has been its ability to carry like a 20 and hit like a 12. Be sure that you purchase a 16 ga built on a true 16 ga. frame. The new Remingtons are built on 12 ga frames and negate the lightweight advantage offered by a true 16. Check out the new Ithaca pumps, they are true 16 ga.

I'm not bagging the 16 ga. My grandad's '67 Sweet 16 is precious to me, and a great upland gun. I also have no trouble finding ammo to hunt quail/dove with, it's about 3.99 a box. Get a true 16 ga if you wanna chase quail,grouse, pheasants,etc. If it's waterfowl you want, get a 12 or a 20 ga. mag.