another shotgun question

S

sweatybetty

New member
ive been following the shotgun threads as im looking to buy my first in the near future. ive fired a 12 ga. a few times and it kicks a bit too hard for me. ive never tried a 20, but ive found a couple of 16 gauge pumps for sale, and shells are readily available.
id like to hear some opinions on the 16
 
How about 2 3/4" shells out of the 12ga as opposed to the 16ga?
I'd be surprised to find some of the more popular predator loads (#4 buck, Dead Coyote, etc.) in 16ga.
confused.gif
 
I shoot a twenty,for crows.I would not shoot coyotes with anything less than a twelve gauge.How about a gas drive auto?
Escort has some nice affordable auto's.Or a Remington 11-87 or 1100?
 
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I own both 16 and 12 gauge and when using 2 3/4" shell in the 12 there is no noticeable difference in recoil. Nothing wrong with a 16 other than the small selection of shot factory loads available for it.
 
Quite a few 16 ga shotguns kick as hard as a 12 ga because they are lighter than a 12 ga.

Choose lighter loads for the 12 ga and it won't kick so hard.

Not very many choices on ammo for 16 ga shotguns.
 
I would go with gas operated auto, or a heavier 12 Ga pump. Add a limbsaver recoil pad. The pad makes a big difference. The Mossberg pumps are reliable with few, or no problems. The model 535 is back bored for better patterns with less recoil, and some models are ported. I sold my 535 in favor of a Beretta auto for heavy loads. I would do the research, have cash in my pocket, then look for a used auto. Good luck.
Frank
 
Get a 12 gauge... The 16 gauge isn't even a consideration because of the lack of suitable guns, predator loads, and really good choke tubes.
 
SweatyBetty,

Browning makes their shotguns with longer length of pull than Remington. Unless you have real long arms, the Browning will likely be too long of stock, and you would need to cut the stock down to get correct length of pull. If you are stuck on a pump, take a look at the Remington model 870. I like the older walnut stock models myself.
 
Originally Posted By: sweatybettyid like some opinions on the 16 please, from someone who know what they are talking about. i dont want a 12.
first, shells ARE readily available, online and the local x-mart, from #9 to slugs.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=10480_14626_11576_16378

second, browning makes a nice looking 16 http://www.browning.com/products/catalog...;item=012211514

this isnt going to be strictly a predator gun, just an all around shotgun, mainly birds and skeet.

For birds and casual skeet shooting, great choice for those uses. Especially if the 16 gauge is built on a 20 gauge frame. Not all of them are, and a 16 built on a 12 gauge frame is much less appealing. I assume most of us thought your primary use was for predators since this is primarily a predator hunting website. Clarity in the question gets better defined answers.
 
Other than what has already been suggested, you might consider the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight in 16 gauge. You can get it with or without the vented rib. These are very well made, reliable pumps that now come with a decent recoil pad. The new Ithacas sell for around $850 if you want something other than the usual pump guns. There are many older Ithaca 37s in the used market that can fill your needs if a used gun is acceptable. The Remington 870 Wingmaster is probably a better buy in a new shotgun but it is not available in 16 gauge. Generally, the 16 gauge is an orphaned gauge by most manufacturers.

If your very recoil-sensitive, a 20 gauge may be what you want. It is true that a light 16 gauge kicks just as hard as a heavier 12 gauge but it is less of a burden to carry in the field. A gas autoloader in 12 gauge will kick less than a 16 gauge pump. Take the time to handle several prospective shotguns before you decide.
 
I have a old Win. model 12, in 16 ga. for a bird gun, it has a spot in my heart.Ain't nothing better that hunting with a 75 + year old weapon.
 
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Originally Posted By: GCGet a 12 gauge... The 16 gauge isn't even a consideration because of the lack of suitable guns, predator loads, and really good choke tubes. Exactly.
 
I am particularly fond of the 16ga. The beauty of it is in the 1oz shot load. The 1oz 16ga is a notoriously good patterning load for birds from doves to ducks. The best steel shot load in my guns has consistently been the Federal 15/16oz #4 load. If you don't try to make it something it is not, the 16 truly is Sweet.

I am also fond of the Browning BPS. I have long arms and something about the stock dimensions fit me very well. The bottom eject is terrific if your a lefty. The do feel bigger than they really are oftentimes. A 7lb gun in 16ga is a nice weight to soak up what is modest recoil to begin with. The only caveat that I can think of with the BPS is that the guns don't like to be run dry. Lots of lube to keep things click-clacking along.
 
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