Thanks all. Since I've been bringing it to my local trap range, they've been stocking more16 ga. target loads. They are only about $2.00 more than the 12 ga. I guess the gun is pre- 1949 since I don't see the letter codes mentioned above.

Hello All,
I am a big fan of the 16 ga gun. I am waiting now for UPS to deliver a 1905 Parker to my FFL.
William,Larkin,Moore in Arizona stock low pressure,2.5" shells in 7.5 & 8s.They are made up special at Thunderbird Cart. Co.They also stock these in 12ga.& 20ga.
Shells are clean,uniform and great for clays.
Bill

Thanks William. My bigger problem now is improving my score. I could probably benift from a few lessons. I do slightly better with my 12 ga. than my 16ga. But the 16ga. is more fun.

I believe the Model 5100 may be pre 1949. Our member "Researcher" has a canned explanation of older Stevens and Savage double guns that he may post for you.

The Downrange wad , made in Hastings, Nebraska, is wonderful. I also load 7/8 for target shooting. Just order 16ga cartridges by the case from your local gun shop and you won't have to deal with availability problems, and I have worked out good prices from the store I frequent. All the larger manufacturers make 16ga loads. I like new Federals but lately I've been having so many problems with reloading soft brass that I'm going back to Remington hulls. Most of my shooting is 16ga.

Do you use the Downrange wad in Remington hulls with success?

yep. I was getting expanded brass in Feds and having to pull out too many stuck shells after the shot. I prefer the Feds for shooting but am now in the process of throwing away the Feds after shooting, and that was reloading with a MEC Grabber. Frustrating.

These were really light loads too. I'll still buy Fed 1oz 6shot for hunting loads though and then just throw them away. Its after reloading that the brass is sticking.