Dog Gun Time
Member
Exactly, and a 12 will do everything a 16 will and then some.
12 guage or 16 guage?
- Thread starter goldenboy
- Start date
Exactly, and a 12 will do everything a 16 will and then some.
two cents
agree.........if you're going lighter, go 20 ga. Plenty of gun/ammo options and availability.
agree.........if you're going lighter, go 20 ga. Plenty of gun/ammo options and availability.
onpoint
Active member
I went to the University of Houston
Those red ones are really the best.
But the shells aren't purple...
Those red ones are really the best.
Dakotazeb
Well-known member
But the shells aren't purple...
:thumbsup: Damn good thing we don't all like the same guns and ammo.
But I'll take my 16 over a 20 any day. But that's just me, I like being a little different. And 16 gauge shells have never been an issue getting. Who waits until they are out in some remote area to buy shells anyway. I pack enough so I don't have to worry about it.Sporting Days
Member
The 16 gauge is more fun, plain and simple.
I keep a 12 in the safe for waterfowl and the occasional sporting clays tournament where I may actually care about posting a decent score. Here too, though it's way more fun to outshoot your buddies and their 12s with your 16.
Nothing says fall more than chasing pheasants with a 16 gauge. As for shells -- it's called the Internet, and you can find plenty of options today -- everything from modern, low-pressure shells that are safe in classic American 16s from yesteryear to steel shot, HeviShot and other nontoxic options for modern 16s.
I keep a 12 in the safe for waterfowl and the occasional sporting clays tournament where I may actually care about posting a decent score. Here too, though it's way more fun to outshoot your buddies and their 12s with your 16.
Nothing says fall more than chasing pheasants with a 16 gauge. As for shells -- it's called the Internet, and you can find plenty of options today -- everything from modern, low-pressure shells that are safe in classic American 16s from yesteryear to steel shot, HeviShot and other nontoxic options for modern 16s.
onpoint
Active member
:thumbsup: Damn good thing we don't all like the same guns and ammo.
:10sign::10sign::10sign:
16s
My first shotgun was a 16 ga mosberg bolt action(rather light). My old man said if I could learn to make that first shoot with that gun I would be good to go. He was right. That thing kicked like no other shotgun I've ever fired and I sure never got a second shot. After I got married, my wife got me a Remington 1100 12 ga for Chistmas and I've shoot 12s ever since. My old man always shoot a 12 ga until his later years and he finally gave in and got a 20 ga o/u. He passed away about a year ago and I've got his 20 ga now. I'm still hunting with my 12s, but it's only a matter of time until I start taking out his 20 ga. That's when I will know that I'm officially a senior. Ever time I think of a 16, I think about that damn mosberg and my shoulder feels sore. Each to his own:cheers:
My first shotgun was a 16 ga mosberg bolt action(rather light). My old man said if I could learn to make that first shoot with that gun I would be good to go. He was right. That thing kicked like no other shotgun I've ever fired and I sure never got a second shot. After I got married, my wife got me a Remington 1100 12 ga for Chistmas and I've shoot 12s ever since. My old man always shoot a 12 ga until his later years and he finally gave in and got a 20 ga o/u. He passed away about a year ago and I've got his 20 ga now. I'm still hunting with my 12s, but it's only a matter of time until I start taking out his 20 ga. That's when I will know that I'm officially a senior. Ever time I think of a 16, I think about that damn mosberg and my shoulder feels sore. Each to his own:cheers:
It certainly is true that 12 ga. creates a bigger pattern and makes up for a faulty aim. With all that why do we worry about a 16 ga.? Heck 20's are kids guns, and the 10ga. is far superior in paterrn density to a measly 12 ga. Let me know when you herk one of those on the next upland hunt.
Toad
Active member
:laugh: I knew a guy who showed up for a trip out West with his grandfather's SXS 10 ga. Honest, it felt like it weighed at least 15 pounds, and the barrels were at least 34" long. When he opened the car trunk, I said, "WTF is that???". He said his grandfather used it to pass shoot geese and he figured it would be good firepower for "blocking"... He didn't hit anything with it, hell he could hardly swing it around... I can only imagine what loads he was probably firing through it, and what they would have done to a pheasant if he had made contact. :laugh:
I don't really know what he was thinking about. I know he had a cabinet full of 12 and 20 gauge guns. I guess he just wanted to really blow some S*** up that day.
Anyway, I'm with Britchaser, and I also appreciated the comment from whoever compared the 30.06 versus the designer rifles. I shoot a 12 ga, a 30.06, and my handgun is a 9mm. Keep it simple.
I have never had an emergency stop for ammo at a mom n' pop shop, but it is comforting to know that anywhere that has ammo would have "my" ammo. Once or twice I have borrowed shells from a buddy while in the field, and I often loan them out. I guess one advantage of a 16 gauge is that your 12 gauge buddies couldn't mooch shells off you.
onpoint
Active member
:laugh: I knew a guy who showed up for a trip out West with his grandfather's SXS 10 ga. Honest, it felt like it weighed at least 15 pounds, and the barrels were at least 34" long. When he opened the car trunk, I said, "WTF is that???". He said his grandfather used it to pass shoot geese and he figured it would be good firepower for "blocking"... He didn't hit anything with it, hell he could hardly swing it around... I can only imagine what loads he was probably firing through it, and what they would have done to a pheasant if he had made contact. :laugh:
I don't really know what he was thinking about. I know he had a cabinet full of 12 and 20 gauge guns. I guess he just wanted to really blow some S*** up that day.
Anyway, I'm with Britchaser, and I also appreciated the comment from whoever compared the 30.06 versus the designer rifles. I shoot a 12 ga, a 30.06, and my handgun is a 9mm. Keep it simple.
Weather you know it or not. The 10ga once was the gun of choice for all hunting. A nice SxS with 27/8" chambers with a good load of #5's or 6's was a gun that put meat on the table. I have shot nearly everything that fly's with a 10ga at one time or another. A friend of mine, a life log South Dakotan used to use his 10ga BPS for late season roosters. when pheasants flush at just the site of hunters getting out of their truck, from a slew a 100 yards away. Not that he shot at them but the 50 yard roosters where on the dinner menu he said.
You will never find me as a 3006, 12ga, 9MM man. it's just not me. As Zeb said, like him, I like to be different. When I pull my gun out. I like to hear a little eww and ahh from my fellow hunters. It gives me a sense of pride. When I die, I want people to want my stuff. I want them to say, you can't just buy one of these anywhere. Can I have Grampa's 16ga? I want them to carry it with the same pride I did. I have probably a Doz 12ga's and 6-8 20ga's and 5 16ga's, a 28ga, 2 10ga's a 410 or two. I'm not short on choices and have plenty of ammo to keep me hunting until I'm dead most likely. I wouldn't let scarcity of ammo in rural gas stations and hardware stores keep me from carrying any gun. If I can find one of each. I plan to get a 32ga and 24ga someday.
goldenboy, you already answered your own question. Yes, a 16 Ga is a fun gun to shoot, but shells cost more and are not in every small town CO-OP if you need any. Yes, a 16 Ga kills birds just fine but a 12 Ga hits harder and can be loaded much heavier for tough late-season birds.
Regarding hunting ethics, I see WAY TOO MANY crippled and lost birds in late-season hunts with those shooting small gauge/lite loads that don't get the job done. Yes, more shot does not always translate into more birds for poor shooters. But, the odds are increased. Getting poor shooters to shoot clays or skeet in the off-season with a good coach is the answer.
Truth to tell is most of us that have 16's also have 12's and hunt mostly with them. The 16 is kind of nostalgic and fun to take out occasionally. In fact, my last day for this year will be Sat. and I'll be toting the Citori 16 (if I can find the Federal Wing-Shok 4's).....
Regarding hunting ethics, I see WAY TOO MANY crippled and lost birds in late-season hunts with those shooting small gauge/lite loads that don't get the job done. Yes, more shot does not always translate into more birds for poor shooters. But, the odds are increased. Getting poor shooters to shoot clays or skeet in the off-season with a good coach is the answer.
Truth to tell is most of us that have 16's also have 12's and hunt mostly with them. The 16 is kind of nostalgic and fun to take out occasionally. In fact, my last day for this year will be Sat. and I'll be toting the Citori 16 (if I can find the Federal Wing-Shok 4's).....
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Uncle Buck
New member
Boy I don't know if I agree re the shot size. In the days of lead my dad shot hundred's of Canadas with 3"20ga#4. I do not shoot much steel thru my 20s and really don't recall what the difference may have been re my sucess vs lead.
Uncle Buck
New member
I carry a 20 about 50% and 16 about 50%. I own two each, all sxs. I don't take many "long range shots" and if I do it's the 20 with a 3" shell, late season. The 12 comes out when in no lead areas, occasionally.
Little Creek
New member
Dead Pheasant
I tend to agree with Uncle Buck. A 16 gauge is a pleasure to hunt with and is entirely adequate for wild pheasant. That said, I use a double with IC and usually IM in the other barrel. IM may be a bit easier to hit with than some of the tight full patterns produced in old full choke guns.
If birds are within 30 yards, a centered pattern will bag them with even an ounce of shot (#5, 6, 7). If they are over 30 yards for most shooters more shot gives you a better chance if you have choke and can get on the target square...otherwise we wound the birds. Need a good dog!
A 12 bore seldom makes up for sloppy shooting!
I tend to agree with Uncle Buck. A 16 gauge is a pleasure to hunt with and is entirely adequate for wild pheasant. That said, I use a double with IC and usually IM in the other barrel. IM may be a bit easier to hit with than some of the tight full patterns produced in old full choke guns.
If birds are within 30 yards, a centered pattern will bag them with even an ounce of shot (#5, 6, 7). If they are over 30 yards for most shooters more shot gives you a better chance if you have choke and can get on the target square...otherwise we wound the birds. Need a good dog!
A 12 bore seldom makes up for sloppy shooting!
Hey don't forget the "garden gun" the Flobert 9mm. The darling of the victorian era, where the lords and ladies prowled around the garden shooting butterflies, and dragon flies, to keep sharp for the season! Even Winchester made some of those! You could shoot mosquito's up there in the north. If I find one I have to find a lacy shirt and some knickers! To have "sport" at tea.
onpoint
Active member
Hmmmm............16 or 12 gauge?
20,20,20!
I carry them all. My key to success IMO. I shoot 11/4oz of shot in all of them. That offers me as close to the same pattern as I can get. 11/4oz of #6's is a 11/4oz of #6's no matter the gauge. Same amount of BB's out of all of them. Gran it, the bigger the bore the better the pattern but weight of the gun, how it swings and the want to take certain guns all weigh into my days in the field. Chokes also come into play also. If I'm hunting Pheasants, you can count on it's with a 11/4oz load though and always #5's, #6's and sometimes #71/2.
siouxcitysmitty
Member
I have an emotional sweet spot for 16's, having started my hunting on one as a kid, and currently own a Citori Superlight.
My $.02
- great pheasant gun...light and good stopping power. patterns better than 20's with enough payload.
- lousy gun at the clays range. I like to get out and break some clays once in a while, and, the light gun just pounds my shoulder. Although Recoil's never a problem on a hunt.
- I never take my 16 waterfowling. I like my 12 ga auto's and 3" and 3.5" load options. So, if it was to be your only gun, I wouldn't recommend a 16.
- ammo availability is not really a problem. My local walmart carrries 1oz 6 shot. Or, plan ahead and order just about anything you want online.
- As mentioned earlier, whatever you do, don't buy a 16 on a 12 frame. Makes no sense at all. You'd be better off buying the same gun in a 12ga, and shoot lighter loads, if that was your desire
My $.02
- great pheasant gun...light and good stopping power. patterns better than 20's with enough payload.
- lousy gun at the clays range. I like to get out and break some clays once in a while, and, the light gun just pounds my shoulder. Although Recoil's never a problem on a hunt.
- I never take my 16 waterfowling. I like my 12 ga auto's and 3" and 3.5" load options. So, if it was to be your only gun, I wouldn't recommend a 16.
- ammo availability is not really a problem. My local walmart carrries 1oz 6 shot. Or, plan ahead and order just about anything you want online.
- As mentioned earlier, whatever you do, don't buy a 16 on a 12 frame. Makes no sense at all. You'd be better off buying the same gun in a 12ga, and shoot lighter loads, if that was your desire