scottsman

Got a question....who hunts birds with a sixteen gauge here, and who likes it.
Just started bird hunting this year and yes I'm already addicted, but I started with a 12 and one day grabed the ole browning Sweet Sixteen which is as old as I am, and man I love it! Just seems to me most guys are either 12 or 20 gauge men. What's wrong with the 16 ?

drdan

There has been a lot written about that. One thing that a lot of writers say is that it may have been TOO perfect. The one ounce 16ga load was just about perfect for most upland game and the 1 1/8ounce high speed load was an excellent pheasant load. It was more difficult to hype "new and improved" and there never was a 3" 16ga. One thing that I think was a factor was that gun manufacturers do not really want the "one gun for everything" concept. They would be happiest if they could convince you that you need a different shotgun for every species you hunt.

coot

There was a 3" 16ga- in a Winchester 21 !

scottsman

drdan, that's interesting. And actually makes alot of sense, thanks! I wonder what nice over and under 16 would be like?
Course I'd only want one to save the old Browning. You know.( Think the wife would go for that)?

Mr. 16 gauge

I think that my name says it all....and there is NOTHING wrong with the 16 gauge; as a matter of fact, it it probably the perfect upland gauge.
I have three: Remington model 11, Ithica M37, and a Stoeger SxS. With bismuth shot, the gauge is perfectly capable of taking ducks over decoys with NO problem.
I think two things help lead to the "demise" of the 16 gauge: the 3" 20 gauge hull, which was advertised to be "as good as the 12 gauge" (but those of us who know about shot stringing know better), and the intrest of the firearms manufacturers to save money by mounting 16 gauge barrels on 12 gauge frames...no weight savings, so why bother? Go with the 12, or if you want a lighter gun, go with a 20.
If you want an O/U in this gauge, there are a couple of imported models that are relatively inexpensive and should make great feild guns; even the wife can't complain about the price!
Coot;
Where did you get your information on the 3" 16 gauge in the Winchester 21? All my references say there was no three inch 16 gauge. You have my curiousity piqued.

Mr. 16 gauge

Sorry....forgot to add that if you don't reload for this gauge, seriously consider it! You can improve this gauge 110% via handloading: bismuth shot, spreader loads for tight choked guns, copper plated shot, ect. Good luck!

coot

Anyone need any 16ga shells ?

HOSS

love them 16's have hunted with 12's & 20's alot but have gravitated to the 16 almost exclusivly. they chambered some 16's for 3 in. sheels but i don't think they ever produced any ammo for them you don't need 3 in for the 16 2 3/4 is perfict for any upland bird you will encounter.
but as mr 16 gauge said reloading is the best way to get the quality loads in the shot sizes and velocities you want.
the 16 is becoming fairly popular again browning is again producing CITORI'S in 16 and theres always the ITHACA 37 plus others I've been shooting an old Ithaca double 16 the last few yrs boy is she sweet to carry

HOSS

Mr. 16 gauge I don't know about the win. 21 but i have seen an L.C. Smith trap advertised in the gun list says it's marked 3 in long range? but as i said i don't know of any ammo produced in 3 in. 16 ga

CDover

Well Remington thought there was enough intrest . NEW for 2002 is the 16gauge 870 is back. I Have a origanal and it is rough on doves...