In my idle time on the boat and at home,I peruse the gun forums and other shotgun related websites.I own a sxs of each ga,2 pumps,1 o/u,1 rem 11-48,1 Ithaca mod 66 20ga.2 of the sxs;s are 16ga.As the man said-"This is to establish my bonafides."Anyway I started reading the 16ga society forums and they're contention the 16 ga is the perfect birdgun as per load,power,pattern,etc.Had the chance to test this 2 weeks ago.I spent 2 days shooting pheasent,chuker,and quail at Highbrass Hunting in Oklahoma.1st day hunted w/12ga sxs mod+mod ,and 2nd day w/16ga sxs mmod+full.So 1st shots both guns mod choke,high brass no.6's.Killed same amoumt of birds with about same no. shells,BUT--with the 16 the feathers really flew!Noticeably so.The birds went down quicker ,I think,because there was more shot hitting them.The manager and dog handler has shot birds for 20 yrs and he agreed with me.I've become a believer.Just picked up Rem Mod 11-48 in 16ga and am prowling the shops and outoftheway stores for Ithaca Mod 37 16.Anyone have an opinion on this?Is there a resurgence in 16ga popularity?Maybe we should start one?
12ga vs 16ga
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oneounceload
member
There are two gauges that upland bird hunters seem to love more than any others - the 16 and the 28. Both are easily reloadable and proven performers.
What has hurt the 16 in the past were the models built on 12 gauge frames as opposed to 16 or 20 frames.
Great gauge in a well-built, well-balanced gun
What has hurt the 16 in the past were the models built on 12 gauge frames as opposed to 16 or 20 frames.
Great gauge in a well-built, well-balanced gun
RevolvingGarbage
Member
Cheaperthandirt.com has slugs, buck and lead game loads, and the prices are reasonable. I just ordered a few boxes of 16ga myself a week ago.
oneounceload
member
Dick's, Walmart, Gander Mountain, Cabela's, RST, Polywad and many other carry 16 ga ammo
MCgunner
Member
Meh, I chalk that up to snooty people wanting exclusivity to satisfy their ostentatious personalities. There are light 12s, light 20s, heavy .28s, etc, etc. I've never really noticed that 16 works any better than 20 or 12, myself, and if you waterfowl like I do, 16 and 28 ain't even considered in the mix of things. Steel shot sees to that.
I'm sure a 16 on a lighter frame, an O/U, would work just fine on pheasant and such upland game. I'm just thinkin' since I really don't like handloading shot shells (have done 12 and 10 gauge in the past, still have a 10 gauge MEC) I'd rather just choose between 20 and 12 like the rest of the vast redneck populous out there in flyover country.
I MIGHT get a nice O/U in 28 someday, but I really don't know why. I just don't have one and that seems like a good 'nuf reason, LOL. I think it'd work on doves pretty well and I'd like to have it to irritate my buddy who I already shoot more doves with my 20 than he does with his 12s. He thinks there should be no other gauge. He's a Browning fanatic, so a 28 gauge Browning O/U of some kind would really rub his craw. LOL!MCgunner
Member
Oh, BTW, I've even seen 28 gauge at our local walmart and they generally are more into steel shot down here than game loads. But, they stock 28 and 16, not hard to find, just it will be dove or quail appropriate loads and a little higher in price than 20 or 12.
oneounceload
member
Nope, only to people with a touch of class, a sense of nostalgia, and a sportsman's attitude toward hunting
Missed that part in your comment about waterfowl, did ya??
Upthe 16!
Savage99-I'll buy it! MCgiunner-If you don't know why you would buy a 28ga O/U it's too late for you.Don't buy it.That'll save it for someone who'll appreciate it. oneounceload-Right On!The golden days of shotgunning passed away ,but perhaps we can bring them back.
Savage99-I'll buy it! MCgiunner-If you don't know why you would buy a 28ga O/U it's too late for you.Don't buy it.That'll save it for someone who'll appreciate it. oneounceload-Right On!The golden days of shotgunning passed away ,but perhaps we can bring them back.
Virginian
Member
If you love the 16 I am happy for you, but please don't start telling anyone it's the best thing since sliced bread. It is just another gauge. Stretch 20s and ultralight 12s overlap its capabilities and that has contributed to its greatly reduced sales potential, and hence very few are made anymore. New shooters usually are looking for versatility, and experienced gunners already know what they like. Those of you who love 16s can't understand some of us just don't get it. I'm a 28 lover myself. Never claimed to be perfect.
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