How do you feel about 16ga?

[2ski]

So I'm thinking of getting a Franchi Afinity 2.0 or at an o/u shotgun. If it's an o/u I was thinking of doing a 16ga. What say you guys about that gauge? It seems I generally see some ammo so it's not like it's terribly hard to find(under normal circumstances). But it also makes sense to get a 12ga because I have a 12ga pump so I would still have ammo.

Thoughts?

 

[Fish2keel]

I shoot a 16 gauge. Love the gauge. Difficult to find lead free for ducks but can be had with a little work. 20s are much easier to find. But if you like to be different, don't mind looking for ammo with need, it's great.

Also 16s seem to be picking up in popularity lately so we might see more ammo soon.

 

[Cornhusker]

I shot a 16 for quite a few years. I finally asked myself what's the benefit? Having 12's and 20's I didn't see an added benefit or need and sold it. Steel shot for the 16 was relatively difficult to find I'm not sure about availability now.

 

[Tmac]

Fine for upland, pita for waterfowl. All about ammo availability. If you are a planner and source your ammo early, it works for both. For waterfowl, more of a duck than a goose gun imo.

 

[Wapiti1]

It's one of the best ways to get a high end shotgun without the extra cost of more common gauges in the USA. IMO, if you appreciate fine shotguns from Continental Europe, 16 gauge is a great way to get one at a discount to 12 or 20.

It's also really a great gauge. I agree that it isn't a goose gauge, but is great on duck and upland birds.

Jeremy

 

[keystone112]

The 16 is a favorite of mine. If you have figured out how to source ammunition, it does everything I want it to.

 

[Juneau07]

I use my grandpas Belgium made, Browning A5 in 16 gauge for pheasants and grouse. It has “sweet 16” engraved on the barrel from the factory. It was my grandmas present for him when he got back from the Korean War. My grandpa gave it to me to use. Told me if it was going to sit he wouldn’t give it to me. My favorite firearm in my safe. As for the 16 gauge…. It’s a whacker on upland game. I loaded my own so not too sure about the factory offerings. I’m sure they’re as good as the hand rolled stuff. I always kept up with my dads 12 gauge. In my opinion it’s a great round… I’m bias, though….It means a lot to me.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

So I'm thinking of getting a Franchi Afinity 2.0 or at an o/u shotgun. If it's an o/u I was thinking of doing a 16ga. What say you guys about that gauge? It seems I generally see some ammo so it's not like it's terribly hard to find(under normal circumstances). But it also makes sense to get a 12ga because I have a 12ga pump so I would still have ammo.

Thoughts?

I have a Franchi affinity 3.5 and I also have a Browning Cynergy Feather. Both are 12 gauges. My OU is my go to for upland. The Franchi is an amazing gun - pretty much the same as the SBE II (which is way better than the SBE3). I have thought the 16ga was awesome for a while and I’ll have one in an OU one day.

 

[Cspraggins]

My opinion is that is is the best gun for the other upland fowl (pheasant, chukar, sharp tail grouse, Huns). Don’t use mine for waterfowl at all.

If it piques your interest, I would say go for it!

 

[long hunter]

Have two a model 12 and a fox side bye side, great guns for rabbits,quail and phesants, I like too be a bit different in the gunning fields and makes me laugh at the franchi and benelli boys at the end of the day when comparing the harvest, plus I like the old war horses over the newer wiz bang boys.

 

[Mikido]

Don’t go out of your way for it. Ammo is a pita. I kill a lot of animals with a 20 guage o/u (geese too, don’t believe the 3.5 hype)

 

[ElPollo]

16 ga is a handloaders game nowadays. I have one that I haven’t shot in years. I am a 12 ga person for a reason. I mostly hunt scaled quail in the desert these days. The birds are fast and tough, and the shots are long after the first couple of weeks as the birds start to get smart. When I shoot anything below 12 ga #6 high brass, I cripple more birds and lose them. I don’t like that, so my other guns stay at home. It works for me, but your mileage may vary.

 

[long hunter]

I loas for both 12 and 20 ga. but never had a problem finding 16 ga. factory loads. If that situation should arise I will purchase a 16ga loader or better yet hit up my best friend as he loads 16 ga. There is always a way if you think about it.

 

[Jon C]

So I'm thinking of getting a Franchi Afinity 2.0 or at an o/u shotgun. If it's an o/u I was thinking of doing a 16ga. What say you guys about that gauge? It seems I generally see some ammo so it's not like it's terribly hard to find(under normal circumstances). But it also makes sense to get a 12ga because I have a 12ga pump so I would still have ammo.

Thoughts?

16 gauge are usually quite a bit lighter I want a browning sweet 16. Ammos easy easy enough to find

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

I own a Winchester Model 12 in 16 ga. I bought it year ago out of an estate. It runs fine, but ammo is a bit more difficult to come by than 12 and 20. It rarely comes out of the safe.

 

[jwatts]

I own a half dozen 16ga shotguns. My first was a 16ga, and I just kinda stuck with them. They can be difficult to find ammo for at times. If you're into waterfowling, Boss Shotshells makes bismuth loads for them. I take my old Ithaca 37 duck hunting a few times each season using Boss shells.

 

[Rich M]

I'm only looking at this with an eye to future ammo shortages. It will be easier to get ammo for 12 or 20 ga.

Nothing against a 16 ga. never see the ammo at Walmart is all I'm saying.

 

[ET8300]

My oldest son shoots my Dad's old Remington 870 Wingmaster in 16 ga. I think it was made in 1974. I was able to find a good amount (dove loads) on Natchez. He outshoots me with it.