jakk280rem,
WE are a folksy bunch here in Shotguns.
You are new to shotguns, and expressed a desire for a classy shotgun that means something to you - a 16 ga.
WE respect this, we really do.
Here is the deal, 12, and 20 gauge guns are going to have more choices in guns and store bought shell offerings.
Simple economics of supply and demand, you know this.
Skeet shooters have gun events, 12, 20, 28 and .410.
28 ga has always been a proven gauge in skeet.
Check any tote board and the best scores are with the 28ga.
One factor is the short shot string and couple that with less recoil and this is why.
Same reason this 28ga is that good for teaching new shooter, as a Lot of instructor do teach students with this gun and those that upland hunt understand and appreciate this gun.
Easy to tote, fells game, with less felt recoil.
In a SxS, and O/U, a classic.
Gentleman Dove Hunts in the South are one example of a "refined" and "classic" hunt.
16 ga is not dead.
In Skeet one can shoot a gauge smaller than the event, meaning one can shoot a 16 ga in a 12 ga event during tourney times.
Any time for fun.
By the same token, one can shoot a 28 ga in 12, 20 and 28 ga, then have to use the .410 in the .410 event.
Lots of folks do this, and I am one.
Not a 16 vs 28 gauge deal going on.
Instead the 16 ga is not dead, just with today's marketing toward those growing up, and not being raised around firearms, the 16 ga is not "tactical" or used in a video game, or issued by TEEM SEEL , or whatever the heck influences folks today.
Screw 'em.
WE want you as a new shooter to get what you want, are proud to own and become one with the gun.
So you have to reload shells, great!
That is part of the whole experience of owning and using a classy shotgun, no matter what gauge.
Here is what I suggest.
Find nice range or club with skeet, trap, sporting clays and the like.
Meet the folks and see what clay game you like.
Try some various shotguns, as these nice folks will assist you , and let you try some nice guns.
These might not be 16 gauge guns, still that gun in 12 or 20 may very well have been made in 16, or currently is.
You shoot a gun and feels like it is an extension of you, and the thing is good looking and classy.
Now you know what gun you can inquire and locate.
Heck the folks at this range/club might know of one.
Just get some good instruction on correct basic fundamentals and quality practice.
Pattern the gun to know what is does for you.
Too many folks even on this board go shoot skeet or trap or sporting clays with a 16 ga, while other use 12, or even 20, 28 or .410.
Those with 32 and 24 gauge shotguns, do the same thing.
I have, and I think the 32 ga is neater than all get out.
Fiocchi makes shells in 24 and 32 ga, still.
That is the reason I shared that 16ga Society site with you.
Those folks are not fanboys, instead centered, and appreciate a classic gauge and the guns that shoot them.
There are shot gunners, and then there are those that have a shotgun.
There is a difference.
