What Killed the 16?

[huntsman]

What Killed the 16?

companies that built them on 12 gauge frames.

 

[gunsandreligion]

I'm thinking, that a 16 gauge slug gun might be really nice...

 

[Capstick1]

Those Browning Auto five Sweet Sixteens are wonderful shotguns. You don't come across them too much in the used gun racks. I suspect it's because most people who own them never even think about selling them. It'd be nice if Walmart sold 16 ga target ammo in the 100 rd bulk packs like they do for the 12 and 20 guages.

 

[ArmedBear]

It'd be nice if Walmart sold 16 ga target ammo in the 100 rd bulk packs like they do for the 12 and 20 guages.

With far more 28 Gauges at clays ranges, why would they sell 16 in bulk first?

(And I write that as someone who has a 16, and no 28s.)

 

[ArmedBear]

Another proposition for discussion:

The only reason the 16 became particularly popular in the US is that the 12 Gauge versions of many popular American guns pre-1960 are genuinely AWFUL, whereas the 16s are pretty nice.

Would the Sweet 16 be so sweet, if the 12 wasn't a pig? Would a 311, NID or Nitro Special SxS feel as good in 16, if it didn't feel so terrible in 12?

 

[LoneCoon]

I dunno, but I love my Savage 16ga Semi auto. Anyone got a sxs they'd like to part with, since it's a dying caliber and all?

 

[bigmedicine]

I just bought a new Browning BPS 16 Upland Special with a 24" barrel. You can walk all day with the thing and it just hammers pheasants. IMO, the BPS is the best pointing pump gun since the Model 12 (but no, it is NOT a Model 12).

The things discussed did help to "kill" the 16, but some of us refuse to let it die. I just love mine!

 

[Leaky Waders]

Yeah Bigmedicine I purchased a bps 16 highgrade last year.

I agree that "It'd be nice if Walmart sold 16 ga target ammo in the 100 rd bulk packs like they do for the 12 and 20 gauges."

When someone thinks about purchasing a shotgun, and sees a 16 gauge on the shelf next to a 12 and 20; and then walks the store and sees box after box of 12 and 20 shells - with no or very few high priced 16's available locally - the lack of 16 gauge shells will definately influence a buyer who is not really an enthusiast.

 

[oneounceload]

It'd be nice if Walmart sold 16 ga target ammo in the 100 rd bulk packs like they do for the 12 and 20 guages.

They'd have to get someone to make them first so they could sell them.

If all I did was hunt upland birds, a 16 on a 20 frame and a 28 on a 28 frame would fill the bill nicely.

But it really is hard to beat the 12 for targets, especially when you can get loadings from 7/8oz through 1-1/8 oz, at a variety of velocities and shot sizes.
I shoot sporting with 12, 20 and 28 - all have their place and fun factor, but the 12 is the one that gets me my highest scores.

AB - get yourself that AyA 28 we previously mentioned, especially at about 5#12oz and go chase chukar.........

 

[ArmedBear]

I just bought a new Browning BPS 16 Upland Special with a 24" barrel. You can walk all day with the thing and it just hammers pheasants. IMO, the BPS is the best pointing pump gun since the Model 12

Case in point. In 12 Gauge with a full-length barrel, the BPS is nothing like what you describe...

 

[chas08]

Well, with all the listening, participating and complaining (myself included in all three categories) The 16 is not dead and it never will be. It may never be a mainstream gauge like it once was. But there is enough support out there to keep it going. Even with reduced production runs in guns and ammo. There are just too many out there still in use to abandon it forever. Well... at least maybe not in my lifetime.

 

[noskilz]

What killed the 16?

My vote as the biggest factor goes to official Skeet shooting not having a 16 gauge class. I agree with oneounceload.