I have been offered a vintage 16 gauge shotgun..

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Pantharen

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Live: Comox, Work: West Van..
BUT I know nothing about it.. (no pictures yet) Other than the email I was sent:

The shotgun I have is a: SPRINGFIELD 94B by SAVAGE Arms Corporation, Chicopee Falls, Mass., USA
Proof Tested – 16 Gauge
2 ¾ inch Chamber
Selected Forged Steel
Single shot breaks open and has a hammer.
There are two cracks on the stock and the hammer has been professionally repaired.
I would say it is from the 1950’s era, possibly the 1960’s.
Barrel is 28 inches long.
Firm on $100. Given it’s vintage.
Butt has a quality shock absorbing rubber baffle to save the shoulder.
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Cracks in the stock & repairs to the hammer.. How can I get this gun tested to make sure it is still fire-able?
How much different is a 16G compared to my 12G, can I still get 16G ammo.

I have not laid eyes on the gun.. I am still kind of new to guns... what is a gun of this age worth??
 
Save your money .
You have admitted to ''still being new to guns'' and this sounds to me like a steep learning curve.
Yes 16 gauge ammo is readily available and one can find ammo that is the same fps ( feet per second) as 12 gauge.
It just not have the same payload and will likely cost a few more dollars per case as well.
Just my nickles worth of free advice/experience.
Your Mileage may Vary.
Rob
 
Vintage I guess is a relative term
I am not familiar with this particular firearm but think you could find something similar with no damage or repairs for about the same price.
If you are concerned about it's integrity take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out.
16 gauge is a nicer load in some cases for upland bird game and such. Depending on the stock damage, if nothing serious, might be a good find. 16 gauge is readily available ammunition.
What do you plan on using it for?
Sorry, I know this is not overly helpful. But for $100 can't go too far wrong in terms of investment.
 
FLHTCUI said:
Save your money .
You have admitted to ''still being new to guns'' and this sounds to me like a steep learning curve.
Yes 16 gauge ammo is readily available and one can find ammo that is the same fps ( feet per second) as 12 gauge.
It just not have the same payload and will likely cost a few more dollars per case as well.
Just my nickles worth of free advice/experience.
Your Mileage may Vary.
Rob
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I was kind of thinking the same thing... I thought I would run it past you guys first, and see what your impression was..

saddlehills said:
Vintage I guess is a relative term
I am not familiar with this particular firearm but think you could find something similar with no damage or repairs for about the same price.
If you are concerned about it's integrity take it to a gunsmith and have it checked out.
16 gauge is a nicer load in some cases for upland bird game and such. Depending on the stock damage, if nothing serious, might be a good find. 16 gauge is readily available ammunition.
What do you plan on using it for?
Sorry, I know this is not overly helpful. But for $100 can't go too far wrong in terms of investment.
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I know my brother & Sister in law want me to get a hunting license, and my SIL wants game birds, and deer.. Game Bird (Pheasent, quail etc), I'm thinking more of my Ruger. I do love smoked Duck, Pork, etc.. I've had smoked venison, meh.. And when my new shop is in full swing, I will be building myself a good smoke house..

BUT I do have a 18.5 Mossberg 88 & my Ruger .22
 
IMO, a 16 gauge in better condition would be a better deal. A 16 gauge with some cracks already in the wood and that you personally don't know the history of? Meh....there are better deals out there friend, and they do not include a long obselete shotgun with a scarcity of spare parts, such as a broken hammer or firing pin. For your first shotgun, most of us would lean towards a 12 or 20 gauge, just because ammo is inexpensive and universally available in birdshot/buckshot/slugs. This has nothing to do with the effectiveness or superb upland capability of the 16 gauge payload btw. Oh yeah, for you to use this maybe unmodified shotgun on migratory game, it needs to be reamed for steel shot or your need to locate another non-toxic shotload such as bismith. ($$$) Good luck with locating 16 gauge shotshells in any non-toxic shotload Pantharen.

my two bits only
 
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It would have to be free for me to take it and then after seeing it would probally just be parts
way better guns to look at my friend as the boys say
Cheers
 
Keep your eyes open and you can find a similar 12 gauge in solid condition for about $100 more. Not a 16 gauge expert, but a little difference in price for a box of shells can add up to a lot of money over time.
 
As others have noted , save your money for something better........sounds like this firearm has had some rough usage and is already damaged......BUYER BEWARE !
 
Not many old single shots stay valuable. For only a few extra bucks you can get a brand new break action with no issues, or find another used one in good shape for less.

IMO the 16 is no slouch, but it's lost popularity over time, probably due to being smack in between the 12 and 20. Ammo isn't too difficult to find, but your options may be limited when you do come across it. I still use Grandpa's Winchester 37 in 16 gauge for the odd partridge hunt. He gave it to me over twenty years ago when I got my hunter's safety. Shot my first goose, partridge, duck and skunk with it. I haven't used it for waterfowl since they changed the regs to steel shot only because there aren't many non toxic loads available in 16 and I bought a pump, but it remains an effective hunting round. What's the saying? 'Shoots like a 12, kicks like a 20'?
 
The gun advertised is a $50 gun. Economy Savage, cracked stock, recoil pad, well worn single shot probably 1950's or 60's era. I have one just like it in real good shape I paid $70 for a few years ago. Not an antique, not collectable just a gun for the truck or wheeler. As has been said, you can do a lot better for the money
 
Yes, you can do a lot better. Buying a gun like that for your first shotgun will do one of two things. It will either turn you off from shotgunning or it will cause you to regret wasting the money because you will want a different gun in no time and that will have been money that could have gone towards that "other gun".
 
Being that you are new to guns. Take a pass on this one. Buy something newish in 12 ga. You can get a bolt action 12 from a gun show or sometimes on we for not too muchore than that.
 
One reason people like a 16 gauge is they are quite often lighter than a 12. When you pack one all day it makes a difference. As far as this particular gun goes follow the aforementioned advice.
 
gunsaholic said:
Yes, you can do a lot better. Buying a gun like that for your first shotgun will do one of two things. It will either turn you off from shotgunning or it will cause you to regret wasting the money because you will want a different gun in no time and that will have been money that could have gone towards that "other gun".
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This would actually be my second shotgun.. I currently own Mossberg 88 18.5". But, I m going to wait and get a Winchester SXP Camp/Field
 
SoBored said:
Keep your eyes open and you can find a similar 12 gauge in solid condition for about $100 more. Not a 16 gauge expert, but a little difference in price for a box of shells can add up to a lot of money over time.
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You can buy a new 12 gauge NEF Pardner from Epp's for that $100 more. There is nothing "vintage" about a Savage/Springfield 94 single, it's just "old"...

There is nothing wrong with the 16, I've got a couple that I unlimber from time to time but it's more expensive to shoot and harder to find ammo for - stick to 12 and 20...
 
I think that you can do better. Find one in good shape and you will probably love it. I have a 16g sxs that I use for a lot of my upland hunting. It's easier to carry than a 12 and I seem to hit more birds than I do with a 20.
 
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