Of all the bore in shotguns, as of late I have been finding that I like the 'ol 16 the best. Not quite the power of a 12, but better off than a 20, my only 16 SxS has proven me well on upland hunts so far.
This guage seems to be the perfect balance between those two other gauges, with light enough loads for quail, grouse and bunnies, and heavy enough # 4's to drop a phesant.
My stevens has a true "16" frame, and at just over 6 pounds, makes for an enjoyable hunt; meaning not having to carry a heavy gun all day.
I am currently finagling to purchase an 1148 in 16 also. It is recoil operated, like an A5, rather than gas operated like an 1100 and the like.
So why, when the 16 bore makes for such a great upland gun, is it that shells are few and far between, and that the gauge is not that "popular" any more? Was the onset of popularity of the 20 the demise of the 16, or was it the versatility and overall popularity of the 12?
It did not get the handle "sweet sixteen" for nuthin...
what are your thoughts?
This guage seems to be the perfect balance between those two other gauges, with light enough loads for quail, grouse and bunnies, and heavy enough # 4's to drop a phesant.
My stevens has a true "16" frame, and at just over 6 pounds, makes for an enjoyable hunt; meaning not having to carry a heavy gun all day.
I am currently finagling to purchase an 1148 in 16 also. It is recoil operated, like an A5, rather than gas operated like an 1100 and the like.
So why, when the 16 bore makes for such a great upland gun, is it that shells are few and far between, and that the gauge is not that "popular" any more? Was the onset of popularity of the 20 the demise of the 16, or was it the versatility and overall popularity of the 12?
It did not get the handle "sweet sixteen" for nuthin...
what are your thoughts?