I recently saw two alike pump shotguns for the same price in 16 and 20. Is there any differences between 16 and 20 gauge shells, including price, or its capabilities, such as increased lethality or range over the 20 or even 12 gauge? Its not really that common around here, as everyone shoots the 12. Is the recoil any different between the three if the guns are the same weight? My uncle told me about a guy who had a Belgian single shot 16 that you could shoot a squirrel at any range with;] That got me interested! Also, is there a cheap pump 12, 16 or 20 threaded for chokes that you guys [or gals] would recommend? I want to get some turkeys this spring!!!
The 16 gauge is definitely viable but in reality the millions of shooters throughout American history did not sound a resounding vote of confidence for this gauge.
It simply did not come to be a major force in the marketplace.
It would be best that you look into ammo sourcing before making a purchase decision on this gauge.
The 16ga has two basic loads,target (low brass)and field (high brass).They also have foster type slugs but no sabots I know of.2 3/4" is all you can get for a 16ga. The 20ga has multiple loads in target,field and magnum and turkey in both 2 3/4" and 3" chambering.They have both sabot and foster type slugs.The 12ga has target,field,and magnum loads in 2 3/4",3",and 3 1/2" chamberings.It has so many loads it would be impossible to state all of them.Much more R&D has been done on the 12ga so there is a load for about anything you can emagine.As to range,if a certain shot size leaves the barrel at a specified speed,it will travel the exact same distance whether fired from a 10ga or .410 shotgun.Slugs vary but basically,the heavies fly farther.Same with sabots but of course they travel further than foster type slugs because the smaller diammeter has less drag so it flies further. sam.
in short the 12ga will do anything the others will do plus some, and it will usually be cheaper buying shells. the 16ga is a great shell, but the 12ga owns the market for a reason. sounds like your uncle is a little full of bull to me.
i have never shoot a 16 gauge . but have experience in the 12 and 20.
the 20 gauge kicks a lot loss then a 12 it was nice when i was a kid and know that i am getting older with a messed up shoulder iam thinking about going back to the 20. the 12 has the biggest selection of types of shells, the 20 has a lot to, the 16 is limited. If recoil is an issue and you want good selection in rounds try a 4-10 i lot of rounds and my best friend swears that the slugs out of his 4-10 work as well as a 30.06 rifle for hunting.
The 16 is a great grouse gun, my favorite tool for birds is a browning sweet 16, it seems that all you have to do is point and shoot. Then clean some birds
__________________ TWO TO THE CHEST, ONE TO THE HEAD
In Georgia,years back,the Sweet Sixteen was what about everyone carried Bob White quail hunting.I hunted in a large area but basically around Fitzgerald/Ocilla area.It was seldom they ever missed,but not so seldom for me with my favorite Rem.Wingmaster .12ga.(the shooting was fast and sudden in the small trees and brush where they had harvested pulp wood.) sam.
As a youngun I hunted with an Ithaca 16ga pump. I loved that smoothbore !! The 16 ga is enjoying somewhat of a revival now, and I am seeing more of them around.
I, like most, have 12's and 20's. If I could find a shorter barreled (24 or 26) 16ga pump I would pick it up and use it as my primary upland gun.
__________________ I keep tellin ya Doc, I'm in pretty good shape considerin the shape I'm in !!
Like a lot of you when I was younger I used a 16 it was the go to gun especially for quail or other upland birds. Some of the guys even used it for ducks & even deer with slugs or buckshot.
I have the 12 or 20 and I will continue to use them but my preference is the 16.
I remember reading some where that the 16ga was the second most popular gauge until the early 1960s. I thought this was interesting .
Swede Steve, I have a a M37 w/ a 28 inch barrel mod choke. It is another one of those guns that the only thing you have to do is point and shoot it. That said I am looking for a shorter barrel also,keep in mind that the guns below serial # 855000 1963 the barrels do not inter change without the help of a good gunsmith.
Another option is a M37 with a polychoke. I can take this off and have that shorter barrel I am looking for.
SP
The sixteen was known as the shotgun with the power of a 12 and the kick of a 20. As a young man I loved my 16, but as time went by and I got busy with life in general, gage didn't mean much to me. Now that I'm retired, I'm back to a 16 and loving it. I have to reload my own but that adds to the enjoyment. I hope that the "sweet sixteen" makes a comeback.
The sixteen was known as the shotgun with the power of a 12 and the kick of a 20. As a young man I loved my 16, but as time went by and I got busy with life in general, gage didn't mean much to me. Now that I'm retired, I'm back to a 16 and loving it. I have to reload my own but that adds to the enjoyment. I hope that the "sweet sixteen" makes a comeback.
Dave
Dgray - I couldn't agree more. My ideal gun is a lightweight 16 ga. built on a 20 ga. frame. I tad more kick, but a little more gun too. I have shot a 20 ga side by side most all my life and love it. If I could make it a 16 ga on the same grame, I would be tickled, as the larger bore, gives slightly better pattern dispersion. (less bore contact on the same charge)
I reload, so I would stock up on shells rather heavily, but would consider it worth it. Why not a 12? weight, weight, weight. Those who say bah, probably don't remember what that gun felt like after three, four, or five or more hours of bird hunting. Note: A gun dedicated to Pheasants may well be an exception as to 12 ga. Included are several pick of my double. The one I would love in 16. ha.
I have all 3 + a .410 & I down load 20ga to 28ga specs, I'd love to have a 10ga.
Point is, I use them all. I enjoy them all. They all have unique personalities. Yes, you can just about get by with a 12ga for about any function on earth.
Is your Model 37 a 12 ga.? If so, I have a 26" barrel with vent. rib choked IC for sale if you are interested. It is off a 12 ga. Model 37 I bought in the early '70's.
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I agree with the fellas espousing the 16 ga. as having the power of a 12 and the kick of a 20.
My youngest bother was gifted a 16 ga. by his neighbor. I'd been shooting 12 exclusively and when I tried his, I was very surprised at the very tame recoil compared to my 870. If it had more available loadings, I believe it would be an ideal gun for ladies and some gentlemen who find the 12 gauge's mule kick a little too stout.
Also, if it had anywhere near the available loadings of the 12 gauge, I'd be all over one myself.
TWO TO THE CHEST, ONE TO THE HEAD
