Show Your Favorite 16ga!

[Brett Trimble]

Craig’s post about the 16 gauge inspired me to ask other “16ga cranks” here on the forum about their favorite 16.

I’m still on the hunt for the right Parker 16. I haven’t yet met the one that speaks to me. I do have several 16s however. I couldn’t pick just one favorite, but I’ve narrowed it to two.

One is a LeFever C grade that somehow came into my life. It handles like a wand at 6lb with 28in barrels. It’s a pretty little thing. It’s stocked a little high for me and is choked tighter than tight.. but I can live with it.

The other is a 1950s vintage Ithaca M37. It’s in very nice shape and fits me like a glove and just seems to shoot where I point it. It also weighs about 6lb. I grew up shooting a pump and using this one makes me feel like a kid again. I don’t now why but I just love this little gun.

Funny thing, the LeFever cost about 25X the M37, but if anything I love the Ithaca more. :)

[Dave Noreen]

How could one possibly pick a favorite --

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[Craig Larter]

I have two 16ga Foxes both 30" F/F, the XE weights 6.7 and Sterly 6.4. I'm adjusting to the feel of a 16 as it is a new experience for me.

[Clark McCombe]

my first love
and someone I'm still getting to know

[Brett Trimble]

Absolutely beautiful, gentlemen. Clark can you elaborate on your herd of 16s?

[Clark McCombe]

Top is the old sxs I found in a basement closet. She started my Parker addiction.
And my latest love comes courtesy of Josh - it was easy - hammer and 16 all in one.
Another DH did not make the picture, she came from a fellow PGCA member just a few weeks ago.

[Phil Yearout]

I agree with Dave; how can you pick a favorite? Utica Sterlingworth ejector (my first good sxs), Parker Trojan (accounted for my only true pheasant double), Stevens marked 5100 (my very first double gun and I probably shoot it better than any of them). I gave my dad's Savage to my nephew; a story for another time. But the one I reach for most often...A.H. Fox A grade, 6lbs. 4 oz. 28" barrels...

https://i.imgur.com/ntrgfnql.jpg

[Larry Stauch]

Looks like 33.
One of the favorites is a DHE Skeet and the other one is a Lefever FE with 30" barrels. And I shoot the 30" Crown grade pretty well.
They're all fun. I wish the ammo wasn't so expensive.
X
X

[Larry Stauch]

And here's the Crown grade.
X
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[Jay Oliver]

My favorite Parker 16 is this DHE with 30" damascus barrels choked M/F. I shoot it a lot, but should shoot it even more.

My other favorite 16 is Gene Hill's Greener, The Woodcock Gun with 24" barrels, ejectors and a single trigger. I need to shoot this one more as well.

[Brett Trimble]

Just absolutely beyond cool, end to end!

[Bob Jurewicz]

CSMC FE SPECIAL 16
ITHACA CLASSIC DOUBLES 4E 20/16
PARKER BHE 16

[Ken Hill]

The only 16 I own. I hunt with it quite a bit. It’s a heavily used H&H built in 1911.

https://i.imgur.com/yDVqp4X.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/wZzQxoi.jpeg

Ken

[CraigThompson]

I have two 16ga Foxes both 30" F/F, the XE weights 6.7 and Sterly 6.4. I'm adjusting to the feel of a 16 as it is a new experience for me.

Over the last five years I found after always shooting the heavy 10’s and 12’s first as well as occasional 8 events , that once I got into the 16’s and 20’s I’d shoot a bit better not trying to horse those heavy cannons around .

[CraigThompson]

CSMC FE SPECIAL 16
ITHACA CLASSIC DOUBLES 4E 20/16
PARKER BHE 16

Bob what length barrels are on your BHE ? All quite nice I might add :cool:

[Bob Jurewicz]

30" barrels on the BHE.
Bob Jurewicz

[Bobby Cash]

I'll trapse these guys out again

https://i.imgur.com/sE5Zzt3.png

Tournament Skeet over Vent Rib Trap Grade Skeet

[Lloyd McKissick]

Do british boxlocks count?

http://i.imgur.com/4KjSlhph.jpg (https://imgur.com/4KjSlhp)

5lbs14, 28 tubes, 14 3/4 LOP. Made by William Richards (in their Preston shop) in 1905.

A good day in Nowhere, Minnesota and the only timberdoodle I've ever taken up there.

http://i.imgur.com/2wiVOD4h.jpg (https://imgur.com/2wiVOD4)

No. 1 of a pair, somewhat plain... but effective.

[Wally Barrick]

Well.... My only 16 gauge. My first gun. Weighing in at an incredible 5 lbs. 11 oz. This Savage single shot has harvested more than its fair share of white wing, mourning dove, ducks, rabbits, dragonflies, and an occasional rattle snake. This thing kicks like a jack mule and will knock the boogers clear out of you. I think Mike called it a "booger breaker". This Savage was purchased new in 1964. The finish in the grip and the rear of the fore end is about gone from hunting with it. A piece of the grip is missing and there are several cracks in the grip as well. It was a great gun to have growing up as the neighbor kids were all too scared to shoot it! They all wanted to shoot the other kids 870 and 1100s. Great memories! While not worth $35 in a pawn shop, I would never part with it. I probably have not shot this in about 45 years. Pulling it out for the pictures was the 1st time I have seen it in about 15 or 20 years.

Thanks for this thread topic and the memories!

apologies for pictures not opening...

[Dean Romig]

Where do I begin...?

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[David Livesay]

I don't have pictures, but my favorite right now is a Remington Sportsman 58 made between 1956-1963. It was replaced by the 1100. Hopefully someday soon I will find and buy a nice original 16 ga. Trojan or VH/VHE

[Harold Lee Pickens]

A few Parker 16s I enjoy hunting with:
DHE 16 26 in
O Grade 16 hammer gun 26 in
PH 16 -- Would like to find another set of barrels for this one.

[Dean Romig]

What do you need for barrels Harold?

I have a set of 0-frame Damascus ejector barrels cut from 28” to 26” that Breck refinished for me last year.





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[Stan Hoover]

A pair of 16 Lifters (consecutive serial numbers) ordered by a gentleman who was an architect in the New England area.
The facts regarding these 2 16’s were discovered by a fellow member who then reached out to me and invited me to hunt with him, they are special Parkers. This great friend suggested we enter them in the 2025 People’s choice award in Sanford, they placed 3rd.
PS.The lower 16 has been restocked to correct some of the mistakes of a former restock, as you will note in the last picture.

[Brett Trimble]

Stan, just superb.. like so many others in this thread. It’s 16ga “heck” around here!

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Dean, the bores on that PH are rough. Measured them at Brett Hoops house, but need to have them looked at by John Hosford or someone else knowledgeable. The barrels on that gun are extractor, Twist steel, and were already cut to 26", can't remember the original length, if I ever knew it.
I have hunted /shot it with light low pressure loads.
Ser # 64366

[Randy G Roberts]

For looking at the little Rem era GHE 16 with 28" barrels is kinda pretty with its original A&F case.
As far as hammer guns go this little Quality U Top Action with 32" Twist barrels on a 1 frame is fun to shoot.
The 2 frame 16 DH with 32" Titanic barrels would have to get the nod as my personal favorite though when it comes to shooting.

[Larry Stauch]

That wood on that top action hammer gun is incredible!

[Randy G Roberts]

That wood on that top action hammer gun is incredible!

It's not original Larry but it is pretty.

[Larry Stauch]

It's not original Larry but it is pretty.

You're forgiven.:)

[Phil Yearout]

There certainly are some beautiful 16's in this thread! So just to show that the ol' "Plain Janes" can be favorites too...

Springfield (Stevens) marked 5100; pre-1949...
https://i.imgur.com/NNnoVqCl.jpg

Savage Fox Sterlingworth ejector...
https://i.imgur.com/6X2OSGml.jpg

Parker Trojan...
https://i.imgur.com/gmXnLswl.jpg

[Alfred Houde]

Here is my Ithaca Model 37 in 16 gauge. 28" barrel with a Modified choke. I have used it for grouse, woodcock, ducks, geese, and deer growing up in Central NY.

While stationed in Maine, I carried it for grouse, woodcock, and really enjoyed hunting the marshes for black ducks.

Originally manufactured in 1956, I sent it to Ithaca Gun at their new place in Ohio back in 2012 to be reblued. Just about all of it was worn off of the frame or receiver.

I still use it every now and again. The images are from the last day of Duck Season here in Virginia a few years ago. It was -8 when I walked down to the marsh. It was pretty much frozen solid, but the river was still open.

I shot this lone Gadwall from a makeshift blind and called it a season.

[edgarspencer]

I posted a picture of this gun's butt stock on the other 16ga thread, But I guess you can see why I don't make too much effort to get it back. I kinda like this kid.

[Dean Romig]

“Please send picture of boat.”

Nice gun….

What am I sayin’?… Pretty Lady!! :whistle:





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[David Safris]

thought I would post something a little different than most of the great guns that have been shown - i had some luck with this Browning - Citori Gran Lightning 16 Gauge - was one of the 2024 Browning Shot Show Special guns. Not sure how limited it really is ... but the marketing hype must have been just good enough to win me over.

[edgarspencer]

“Please send picture of boat.”

She bought the little one for Inshore, when Offshore is slow. The other pic was in Fiji

[Stan Hoover]

Yeah,

But, but we need a picture of her with her proud father:corn:

[Dean Romig]

I LOVE that boat!!!





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[Chris Pope]

I agree with Dave; how can you pick a favorite? Utica Sterlingworth ejector (my first good sxs), Parker Trojan (accounted for my only true pheasant double), Stevens marked 5100 (my very first double gun and I probably shoot it better than any of them). I gave my dad's Savage to my nephew; a story for another time. But the one I reach for most often...A.H. Fox A grade, 6lbs. 4 oz. 28" barrels...

https://i.imgur.com/ntrgfnql.jpg

Phil- I think many of us follow Billy Preston's advice (at least I think it was Billy Preston,) "If you can't be with the one you love - then love the one you're with."

Many of us dream of a certain Parker we would love to care for, but we simply can't afford her...

[Dean Romig]

If I could ever afford it I’d love to have an early 0-frame sixteen gauge AHE with 28” Bernard barrels choked CYL/FULL with twin ivories. It would have double triggers, straight grip with a skeleton butt plate. It would have 14 1/4 LOP beautiful marble cake imported walnut with a 2 3/8” drop. A fully checkered forend would top it off I think.
I’m very sorry I don’t have a picture except in my mind’s eye.




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[Phil Yearout]

Phil- I think many of us follow Billy Preston's advice (at least I think it was Billy Preston,) "If you can't be with the one you love - then love the one you're with."

Many of us dream of a certain Parker we would love to care for, but we simply can't afford her...

Stephen Stills I believe. And to be frank the 16 above is pretty much that gun for me, though twin ivories woulda been nice. Pretty simple tastes here :).

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Well, I just purchased a nice Vulcan grade 26" beavertail forend, single trigger just sent for the letter, gun is just as he book says see if my wife can get a photo for me Gary

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

It is a 16ga Gary

[James Palmer]

currently in progress...

[Dean Romig]

Please tell us about that one James. It appears to be a Grade 7 by the engraving…





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[James Palmer]

Im not sure what grade but it's got to be close to that. This is the way I bought it. missing barrels and wood. Found a donor gun and awesome blank and its in process.....

[Dean Romig]

Im not sure what grade but it's got to be close to that. This is the way I bought it. missing barrels and wood. Found a donor gun and awesome blank and its in process.....

The serial number would likely indicate the dollar grade or grade number.





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[Harold Lee Pickens]

You don't want much, do you Dean.
Set your goals a little higher.

[Dean Romig]

:biglaugh:





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[David Noble]

I worked up a post for this thread but I mistakenly put it in a different 16a thread.

I'm reposting it here.


There's no way I could pick a favorite. They're like children to me. I love them all equally. I'll post a few.

First my Parkers.
GHE Skeet, 1939 gun with 28" barrels. This one sat in Remington's inventory until 1942+. I bought it at a local gun show 25 years ago at a bargain price.

Next set is a group of 3 other Parker 16's.
Top, is a PH that was originally a 12ga that was returned to have 16ga Titanic barrels and D grade wood installed. (bought this from a member)
Below that is a PH with 28" stub twist, Mod and Full chokes. (Got from Ben Loving)
Third gun is a Trojan 16 with 28" Mod and Full chokes. Purchased at a large auction for $450 plus shipping and buyer premium. All in, $600.

Fourth set is a Belgium made Nimrod hammer gun with 27" barrels choked Imp and Full. This gun is tiny, the water table hardly wider than my thumb.
It weighs in at 5lbs, 4 ounces.

Next in line is a French made gun with several reinforcement ribs on the stub twist barrels. It sports interesting silver geometric inlays on the receiver and and an under lever for opening, and a smaller lever under that to remove the barrels.

Then a Winchester Mod 12 16a pump with #5 engraving.

Last set of pics are a Francotte Model BB 16ga from 1899 26" barrels. This gun was also purchased from a member here. It is in like new condition. this gun was consigned to Abercrombie & Fitch by Von Lengerke & Detmold in 1900, then later transfered to Von Lengerke & Antoine in 1902 where it was sold. I was fortunate to purchase the VL&A leg of mutton case that fits it perfectly.

I Just can't pick a favorite, they each have some special meaning about them to me, so I rotate and pick a couple of them out each time I'm hunting with 16ga.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

I do not know how to bring up photos , check out 16ga revisit if someone can bring it up thanks Gary

[Stan Hillis]

I cannot truthfully make a decision between my Parker DHE 16/20 and my L C Smith FWE. Both have 32" barrels. I know it may sound crazy that I might favor a Field Grade Smith as much as a DHE Parker. But, the Smith was a first love, and one never forgets their first love. "Sweet sixteen I will never forget." (Talking Heads, "Take Me To The River").

FWE, HOT, 32" barrels. Rare option set for a field grade Smith

https://www.jpgbox.com/jpg/75712_800x600.jpg (https://www.jpgbox.com/page/75712_800x600/)

DHE Parker, 32" barrels

https://www.jpgbox.com/jpg/75713_800x600.jpg (https://www.jpgbox.com/page/75713_800x600/)

[Bruce P Bruner]

It must be my favorite, since it’s the only 16 I own. Damascus 28” GH #858XX.

[Frank Good]

I recently purchased my first ever 16 ga., a Grade 1 1/2 Ithaca Flues with 30" Krupp bbls choked IC/F wearing double ivory beads. It's a real sweet little gun. Can't wait to try it this season.

[Rich Anderson]

This has been my go to sporting clays gun for years. It's a GHE two barrel set with 28 inch vent rib barrels. One set is skeet/skeet the other M/F. Both sets of barrel have there own BTF. The gun came from Alex Kerr's in Beverly Hills.

[Rich Anderson]

Another is this LeFever Optimus with 28 inch barrels choked M/F. These are the only two pictures I have of this one.

[Rich Anderson]

Moving right along but with no pictures other than on my phone and I have no clue how to move them to the laptop.

In no specific order as to a favorite as I like them all :whistle:

Purdey two barrel set 29 inch IC/F and 28 inch IC/M
Grade 3 top lever hammer gun with 30 inch barrels. This is out for a new stock
GH "Sales mans Sample" there are three types of Damascus in the barrels
Stephan Grant Matched pair 30 inch SKT/SKT. The only pair of 16's by Stephan
Grant and Sons
Stephan Grant side lever hammer gun 30 ich barrels IC/M
J. Venebles and Son hammer gun with a Jones under lever
CHE with 30 inch barrels M/F
GHE with 32 inch vent rib barrels F/F

I think thats it but yes I like the 16's:eek:

[James L. Martin]

My favorite 16ga happens to be Merkel O/U made in 1926. It has 29 3/16" barrels, weight of 6" 7" and handles as good as any gun I have ever shot. I bought it thur the old Gun List in the mid 1980s. It was a 2 barrel set at one time as the front trigger is a set trigger, it also has very good engraving of birds and big game.

[Reggie Bishop]

Nice guns Rich!

[Rich Anderson]

Thanks Reggie

[Rich Anderson]

I knew I was forgetting one a straight grip Fox Sterlingworth:whistle:
Another one is a C.S. Rosson this is a straight grip with 26 inch barrels. It has a unique opening system in that there is what looks like a big safety that you push up to open the gun.

[Gerald McPherson]

16 1937 26 inch.

[Larry Stauch]

Here's a good buy on a 30" LC Smith Ideal grade with ejectors.
X
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https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/lc-smith-shotguns/lc-smith-ideal-grade-16ga-30-pre-owned-hunter-arms-circa-1910-1920.cfm?gun_id=103479016

[Rich Anderson]

Don't recall the grade (maybe a 0 or grade 1 ) 28 inch barrels
https://i.postimg.cc/BnHphbNR/IMG-0255.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gxc3jYCK)

Randy that 32 inch hammer gun is very familiar even though the perfectly wonderful straight grip stock has been replaced :whistle:

Most of my gun pictures are on my phone and I have no idea how to move them:eek:

[Stan Hoover]

Rich,

I’m glad to see you have a few Parker’s that are of the pistol grip configuration, there is hope.:p

How did you never think to show me this 16 gauge Underlifter, have you been cheating behind my back:nono:

[Frank Good]

I have two, a 1 1/2grade Ithaca Flues and an Ithaca NID4E and I have to say I think my preference actually leans toward the Flues.

[Rich Anderson]

Rich,

I’m glad to see you have a few Parker’s that are of the pistol grip configuration, there is hope.:p

How did you never think to show me this 16 gauge Underlifter, have you been cheating behind my back:nono:

I'd never do that to you Stan. That's been gone awhile. IIRC it was in the 13K serial number range.

[Randy G Roberts]

Don't recall the grade (maybe a 0 or grade 1 ) 28 inch barrels
https://i.postimg.cc/BnHphbNR/IMG-0255.jpg (https://postimg.cc/gxc3jYCK)

Randy that 32 inch hammer gun is very familiar even though the perfectly wonderful straight grip stock has been replaced :whistle:



You have a good eye Rich. A long and winding road with a happy ending for all parties involved. Interesting letter on that one. Stock book shows it as a capped PG while the order book has it as a SG. Can't go wrong :)

[Rich Anderson]

Well it's staying in the Parker family. I got it from a member who got it from another member. Two more members later you have it.:rotf:

[Randy G Roberts]

I don't see it going anywhere for some time now.

[Rich Anderson]

The previous owner had two choices, that one that was properly stocked with a straight grip and a Grade 3 with 30 inch barrels. The Grade 3 had been restocked and horribly at that. In retrospect I'm glad he chose that one as according to TPS only a handful of Grade 3 16's with 30 inch barrels were made. IIRC it was 8. That gun is currently awaiting for a suitable stock blank to return her to the proper status she so richly deserves.

[Mike Poindexter]

One of my favorites, 16 bore Armas Lario Como from Val Trompio built pre-war, 28" "Fiat" steel barrels, Cyl and full chokes. A second tier gun by a local craftsman or craftsmen, but I kind of like it.

[Bobby Cash]

1987 Citori, first year for the 16 gauge.
RKLT, feels like a Superposed.

https://i.imgur.com/RvZlYpr.jpg

[Dean Romig]

I have a few favorite sixteens... all Parkers of course.
These are the ones I have found easily - there may be more. In fact, three of these have gone down the road to new homes.
They have all taken birds for me and they have all smashed clays, but a guy can only keep so many 16's, right??

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[Brett Trimble]

All gorgeous..

[Dave Tatman]

I love your passion for hammer guns, Dean. I have but one in my Parker collection…..

Dave

[Dean Romig]

I love your passion for hammer guns, Dean. I have but one in my Parker collection…..

Dave

I would highly recommend a Lifter Dave. They are just so ergonomically perfect… and fun to shoot.





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[Daryl Corona]

They were perfect so anyone have any idea why they went to the top lever?

[Dave Noreen]

Remington abandoned their lifter for a top-lever, Baker abandoned the trigger-break for the top-lever, Lefever abandoned the Dangerfield "thumb type" opener for a top-lever, etc. The top-lever became what the market wanted.

[Dean Romig]

They were perfect so anyone have any idea why they went to the top lever?

As Dave says, the top lever quickly became what the market wanted. If you don’t provide what the market demands your sales decline… simple.





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[Daryl Corona]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;444365]As Dave says, the top lever quickly became what the market wanted. If you don’t provide what the market demands your sales decline… simple.


Regardless... it was simply better in my opinion.

[Dean Romig]

I agree Darryl, as many of us do.





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[edgarspencer]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;444365]As Dave says, the top lever quickly became what the market wanted. If you don’t provide what the market demands your sales decline… simple.


Regardless... it was simply better in my opinion.

Daryl, which design are you saying was better?

[Daryl Corona]

[QUOTE=Daryl Corona;444372]

Daryl, which design are you saying was better?

Lifter.

[William Woods]

[QUOTE=Dean Romig;443058]If I could ever afford it I’d love to have an early 0-frame sixteen gauge AHE with 28” Bernard barrels choked CYL/FULL with twin ivories. It would have double triggers, straight grip with a skeleton butt plate. It would have 14 1/4 LOP beautiful marble cake imported walnut with a 2 3/8” drop. A fully checkered forend would top it off I think.
I’m very sorry I don’t have a picture except in my mind’s eye.


Just a little longer stock, and I cold live with a pistol grip, or round knob as long as it still had the skeleton steel buttplate.

[William Woods]

Loved seeing all those beautiful 16 gauge guns.

Thanks to all that posted so those of us that are less fortunate can wish.