16 gauge comeback?

J

JohnPL

New member
Is it or isn't it? The majority of my hunting is for pheasant and grouse-seems the 16 would be perfect. I've noticed that several of the major manufacturers are producing 16's again, but I see that ammo selection is thin. Sports Afield magazine did a section on upland guns a couple of years ago and, get this, said that the production of 16 gauge shotguns was cut back because the gauge was deemed "perfect" (size, weight, load) and the manufacturers couldn't make money "enhancing" the designs. That's right..you perfect an item, then stop making it.:confused: (I cancelled my subscription after that bit of wisdom.)

Anyway...I've seen several used 16's that really appeal to me, but I'm concerned with the availability of various loads. Around here, Wal/Kmart simply do not stock 16 gauge shells, and the gun shops have very small selections, if any. Of course, the shop with the 16 gauge shotgun for sale tells me its no problem, he can order ammo, but doesn't stock 16g ammo because there is no demand. Why is there no demand? I never see 16's in the field or at the range. Where have all the 16's gone?:(
 
There was an article in Gray's Sporting Journal recently on this very subject. It can be found here:

http://www.grayssportingjournal.com/stories/0402/shooting_sixteen.shtml

The article was quite controversial among the diehard 16 gauge lovers on the Shooting Sportsman Bulletin Board. It seems the gauge has its adherents who object mightily when their favorite is questioned.

My own view is that there is nothing wrong with the 16 gauge for hunting except that shells are not as readily available. Special order doesn't quite cut it if you are in the middle of nowheresville and you need ammo. Of course the same can be said about the 28 gauge too.

The trouble with the 16 is that its not a competition gauge in skeet or any of the other clay sports. As a result, ammo production is limited and reloading supplies are almost impossible to find unless mail ordered. Think about it. When was the last time you saw a 16 gauge loading press in a store?

I don't think it's making comeback. It's never gone away but never been very popular. And as for it being the "perfect" gauge, if it were, we'd all have one, it would be used for target shooting and the factories would meet consumer demand for both ammo and components.

Given the response on other boards to this subject I'd better reach for my flame suit.

Paul
 
I still have grandpa's old 16ga SxS and stocked up on shells when Walmart had them----but it sees very little use.

I keep it for sentimental value and might possibly have it restored in the near future---just need to find out if restoring it will ruin any value it has first---seems like I've been putting this project off for 10 years now--come to think of it.

In the meantime my little Beretta 20ga O/U will see most of the use.
 
When I inherited my dad's 1954 Browning sweet 16 I panicked with the percieved shortage of the obsolete and rare shells. So I bought shells every time I saw them at gun shows, sporting goods store, etc. After I realized I had 4 or 5 cases and was still seeing them everywhere I quit worrying. Now I even see new 16g non-toxic shotshells.
The 16 is still darn good rooster medicine. Not magic, but still good. Its been ignored long enough that the major makers can bring it out and make some money on it again. No shortage.
 
Inthe last 2 to 3 years I'v bought three 16ga. guns,a 1930's Browning($125),Rem.870($99),and a Ithica37($100) all have cyl.choke.I'v found an old Stevens5000(?)I'M TRYING TO BUY,think I'll have to pay a little more for this sxs.So far I'v had no problem finding shells.
 
One can only hope, seeing as I just bought one. :D

FWIW, the gunshop types were jawing about this same topic, saying that they have seen 16g starting to move again.

Mike
 
Spo'ting Gennulmen in days of yore often had a 10 or 8 gauge for waterfowl and a 16 for everything else.

A proper sized 16 weighs about a half lb lighter than a similar 12. In the uplands, this can be quite the advantage towards the end of a day's hunt.

And the 16 works very well with an oz of shot, practically optimum for most upland game,except pheasant and turkey.

If there's any logic in its comeback, the advancing age of Boomers like me who need/want a little lighter gun of trimmer lines is a good reason. And the urge towards something that's both old and new has to be part of the return.

The things the 16 will have to fight are the enormous variety of 12 gauge loadings,including the 1 oz ones, and the number of slim and handy 20 gauges out there.

Am I going to get a 16? Unless I hit the Lottery, doubtful.Ammo logistics here verge on insanity now.

Am I glad to see it back. H*LL, yes!!
 
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