16 gauge

Not to my knowledge, which is why Ithaca 37s, Rem 870 and Win M12s still move in the used market if priced right. Shells are a bit difficult to find pre-rolled, and zero non-toxic around at reasonable prices. I have two!
 
The Ithaca website still lists Featherlights in 16. Not sure where you could find one though. I still keep a Winchester 37 in 16 that my grandfather handed down to me when I wrote my hunters safety. Too bad it's faded from use it's an underrated cartridge for sure.
 
As already said the browning BPS and Ithaca 37 are still made in it. If you really want one it may be worth calling gun shops in your area cause they may have a reintroduction era 870 express or wingmaster chambered for it sitting in storage or collecting dust on a shelf.
 
A week ago Lake Huron Rod and gun in Underwood, ON had a used Winchester Model 12 on the rack. I didn't handle it, as I've already got a Model 12 takedown [but in 12ga, of course], but it looked to be in remarkable condition.

If you're looking for new, I'm pretty certain that One Shot Tactical Supply [site sponsor] is an Ithaca dealer. I hear they are outstanding shotguns.

As it's been said here, the Sweet 16 is an underrated cartridge. Shoots like a 20, hits like a 12. If I ever find a sweet deal on one, I'd probably take it.
 
I really like the 16ga. and I shoot 4 of them at present. To take advantage of all that the gauge has to offer, it should be offered in a gun that was designed with a 16 or 20 ga frame, not a 12 ga frame.
The Ithaca M37 is properly proportioned on a 16 ga frame, as was the old Win. model 12. I'm not sure about the Browning, but believe it is properly proportioned. The Remington 870's, like most things Remington, were a design of convenience with a 16 ga. barrel slapped on a 12 ga frame.
 
If I were looking at a 16 for upland hunting that had to be new and it fit me better the BPS upland with a 24" barrel (personal taste) would be at the top of my list, at 6 3/4lbs it should be an acceptable to carry all day for ruffed grouse, woodcock, pheasants and any other upland bird in your area.
 
I'm not a fan of pumps (or semis), nevertheless, the BPS has some good features i.e. tang safety, bottom load/eject, ability to remove live shells direct from the mag tube + a very smooth action. Last season, I used one in 20ga exclusively almost the entire season and took quite a few birds with that but eventually sold it as I couldn't get used to the action type.
 
An Ithaca Featherlight in 16 would be a real sweetheart of a gun. I love my Featherlight 12. That said, a Model 12 in 16 would be a real classy beauty but then you'd have to get the whole set as Model 12's seek similar company. I helped a co-worker find an 870 in 16 a few years back for her dad. That's the only 16 I've ever seen in use in the Arctic...gun nerds are hiding everywhere!

The 16 is the 300 H&H of the shotgun world. Does everything you need and is just so damned cool!
 
I have a small collection of 16ga pumps and probally grab the 16ga wingmaster with the choke tubes the most just because of the fit and tubes but it is heavy. If my Ithaca 37 had tubes it would probally be the one I would select the most. I also have a model 12 which never gets used and a BPS upland which is still new and not used enough to make any judgements on.
 
I own several 16's. I finally have built the perfect 16 for my use. I bought a 16 870 Express synthetic 28" Rem Choke. Then I bought a 16 870 Express youth and swapped barrels. I now have a 16 870 Express Rem Choke with a 23" barrel. It handles just right , is not too heavy and handles all types of shot including steel. Tru Lok chokes supplied very nice extended chokes in IMP MOD and SKT 1.This is getting to be my go to shotgun. Sling studs also add to the versatility.

regards, Darryl
 
The biggest downfall of the 16 has to be cost and availability of ammo. Handloading still pays with this gauge as with the 28. I love the 16 but find this to be a limiting factor where high volume shooting is required.
 
madtrapper143 said:
I own several 16's. I finally have built the perfect 16 for my use. I bought a 16 870 Express synthetic 28" Rem Choke. Then I bought a 16 870 Express youth and swapped barrels. I now have a 16 870 Express Rem Choke with a 23" barrel. It handles just right , is not too heavy and handles all types of shot including steel. Tru Lok chokes supplied very nice extended chokes in IMP MOD and SKT 1.This is getting to be my go to shotgun. Sling studs also add to the versatility.

regards, Darryl
Click to expand...

That sounds real cool. I am doing a similiar set up but have not had the time to finish it so far.
It was a 60's wingmaster 16ga that I had cerakoted. I lucked out and won a brand new 16ga wingmaster rem choked barrel in 26" on gun broker so just have to make up a stock set. Have a black and a lam 12ga set that I may use but not sure yet.
 
I just painted the black furniture OD with the plastic camo rated Krylon paint. Looks great although not a classic upland colour scheme. I thinks it is nicer than just black on black.
regards, Darryl
 
Ask around in gun shops.

Sixteens are pretty much a drug on the market these days because everybody "needs" the Mighty Twelve.

I picked up a heck of a nice 16 Bolt gun a couple years back: Mossberg, blonde, Cutts attachment, whole ball of wax, near-unfired condition.

Thirty-five bucks.

No, it isn't for sale: I like 16s!
 
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