Parker 16 ga.

[stumpstalker]

Doesn't it say something special about the 16 that it is the only gauge with its own dedicated online forum?

http://www.16ga.com/forum/index.php

[mobirdhunter]

John, stay away from 16s. Ammo is hard to find and you can never get your money back out of them. I've been trying to save folks from the risk and trouble of owning a 16 by buying as many as I could. I guess it's my good deed to the shooting public. (Is there an emoji for a "wink" and "tongue in cheek?")

[Andy]

I have always shot O/U 20g Citoris or Berettas for grouse, or an LC 20FW. Going to Maine this year and bringing three Parker 16's. A VH on 1 frame, a VH on 0 frame and GH on 1 frame (being sold this year for a variety of reasons) to fund another 16 on 0 frame if she comes along. I wouldn't mind a 20 Parker, but would snap up a 16 over one almost any day. The way I look at it, you can do anything with a 28 and 16g or 12 and 20g, I prefer the former but 16's are becoming a thing with me. I have four now and need about four more. A buddy handled my 16 on 0 frame and said "that is a beautiful 20..." Porsche 911 from the early 70's comes to mind. Not fancy, but nimble and does it with style and puts a smile on your face.

[Jeff S.]

If you are considering purchasing a 16, I recommend buying one soon. Absolutely great guns. I love my 16 ga. DH w/ 28” barrels. I also have a Fox A grade 16. Wonderful!

[Mills]

I have lost count on the number of 16's I have and I am fine with that. One is on the way now, as a matter of fact.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Sixteen’s are my favorite, because when I pick up a 12 #2 frame it feels somewhat burdensome by comparison. Weight matters, and the 16’s are just ergonomically more appealing. Not saying the heavier guns in the stable aren’t useful, just aren’t my first choice. Finding nice 16’s that fit my budget is a difficult task, though I admit I enjoy the hunt. Adding a nice Parker to the collection gives me so much joy it is hard to explain.

[Harold Pickens]

I have 5 Parker 16's, 3 Fox 16s, a Lefever G, Ithaca 4E, Fair Rizzini, and a neat German 16 hammer gun, plus a beat up set of 34" barrels for a hammer gun. For years I shot pretty much nothing but 16s, until I picked up an old VHE 20 which is now my favorite grouse gun . Ammo is always more difficult to find, but years ago I bought a huge supply of 16 ammo from a friend who had died, and then started reloading.
Marty, a 1 frame 16 at 6lbs 3oz is lighter than many O frames, great gun.

[mobirdhunter]

Harold inspired me to check my records for 16s in the safes: 5 Foxes, 2 AyA, 1 Cogswell & Harrison (a less than 5 pound 30 inch Damascus hammer gun back action), 4 L.C. Smiths, 1 Lefever, 1 Meriden, 7 Parkers, and 1 Remington. I like 'em.

[Jeff S.]

I'm enjoying this discussion immensely because I have always liked 16's. They are generally nicely balanced, light weight and can be used for a wide variety of game.

Now, regarding Mr. Mobirdhunters's collection I would like make one observation. If I'm reading this thread correctly, yesterday he stated "John, stay away from 16s.". This morning he provided us a list of his 16b collection, which included 20, that's right, 20 shotguns. And he stated "I like 'em".

Hmmmmm! Kinda makes you think........ As he hinted, he's a hoarder.

[John Bastiani]

Have enjoyed all your replys on the 16 ga. After reading how much you gentlemen think about your Parker 16's- I decided to give Connecticut shotgun a call on a BHE 16 ga.-30" barrels that they had listed as basically a mint original gun. To my dismay-it was already sold. Maybe somebody on the site purchased the gun and will give us some insights about it.