Whats a 16 gage good for?
- Thread starter simko
- Start date
In my youth (40 years ago), I used a Winchester Model 12 in 16ga extensively for ducks, geese, and the occasional varmint. The old high brass Imperial shells threw about the same weight of shot as 2 3/4" 12ga. My hunting buddies all had 12's, and it seemed that the 16 consistently had a bit more reach. Ammo selection is very limited now, and hard to find out in the country. Otherwise, I don't think there was (is) anything wrong with a 16.
The 16 gauge is one of only two gauges with a natural "square load"; that is the length of the shot load is the same as the width of the barrel. This state of affairs promotes short shot columns and even patterns. This allows the smaller, lighter 16 gauge to compete with the 12 gauge for effectiveness in the field. While best suited to fast flushing game, the 16 gauge can be used effectively for waterfowl and even with slugs. The 16 is regaining popularity among wingshooters and more ammo is available now than 20 years ago. It has always been viewed favourably in continental Europe.
There is something very right with a well designed, well balanced scaled-for-the-gauge 16 bore shotgun, whether it is an American SxS such as an A. H. Fox, a German U/O like a Merkel, or even a pump gun such as the Winchester 1897. A 6 lb. 16 gauge throwing one ounce of shot has very workable, user friendly proportions.
Sharptail
There is something very right with a well designed, well balanced scaled-for-the-gauge 16 bore shotgun, whether it is an American SxS such as an A. H. Fox, a German U/O like a Merkel, or even a pump gun such as the Winchester 1897. A 6 lb. 16 gauge throwing one ounce of shot has very workable, user friendly proportions.
Sharptail
- Location
- Hillbilly shack in the boonies
Ducks and Geese over decoys , and the rest of the bird and small game that you come across. 
not to overlook slugs on deer also.
not to overlook slugs on deer also.
Pretty much anything you can do with a 12 gauge you can do with a 16 with the possible exception of the ultra-long passing shots on geese.
Because it's not a gauge that is shot in clay competition it's not as common as the 12 or 20 and there isn't as wide a variety of loads. Reloading components are very rare if you are so inclined.
There are 16 gauge fans whose adoration of the gauge borders on the fanatical. To criticize the gauge is to bring down the wrath of 16 gauge supporters everywhere.
Personally I have no particular need or desire for a 16 gauge gun. Although when I custom ordered a sxs I specified 12 gauge on a 16 gauge frame. The gun is light and trim but I can shoot 12 gauge. It's the best of both worlds.
Because it's not a gauge that is shot in clay competition it's not as common as the 12 or 20 and there isn't as wide a variety of loads. Reloading components are very rare if you are so inclined.
There are 16 gauge fans whose adoration of the gauge borders on the fanatical. To criticize the gauge is to bring down the wrath of 16 gauge supporters everywhere.
Personally I have no particular need or desire for a 16 gauge gun. Although when I custom ordered a sxs I specified 12 gauge on a 16 gauge frame. The gun is light and trim but I can shoot 12 gauge. It's the best of both worlds.
In s/s or o/u it allows for a trimmer action and square loads at least in lead have a higher velocity and better patterning than most 12's and if you can hit'm with a 12 then you can do the same with a 16. Just remember some of the cheaper makes use a common size action so the barrels in a 16 or 20 are heavier ans defeat the advantage of the lighter gages
- Location
- Miramichi, NB
I use my old Mossberg bolt-action for rabbit and partridge. In years past, I use to hunt ducks with it.
In this part of the country, there are still folks who stock 16 shells, but it is generally a fair amount more expensive than the more common 12 and 20 ga. stuff.
In this part of the country, there are still folks who stock 16 shells, but it is generally a fair amount more expensive than the more common 12 and 20 ga. stuff.
I use my Winchester Mod 12 16ga for absolutely everything. Geese, ducks, rabbits, grouse, you name it. Fits me perfectly and has a nice balance to it too. If there were more loads available for it (hopefully in the future...) it would be king of all guages IMO.
When my Gido passed on we found several boxes of Imperial shells in immaculate shape. All were full and had the original price stickers on them. The Model 12 he (and Midnight Skulker) used is still one fine peice
CH_Tiger_14 said:
I use a Mossberg 16 bolt action for small game and love it. It has a big adjustable choke on the end that you can twist by hand.
I like the lightness of it, and the 2 shot mag is handy for jumping
out of a truck and loading when you see a partridge by the side of the road.
I can't stand the bulk and weight of a full size 12 gauge pump for spending a whole day hunting on foot. Its simply too much. I find the 12 gauge itself to be "too much gun" for small game. I would actually prefer a 20 gauge double some day, ideally.
