Nice!!

A 12 is too heavy
A 20 a little light
I think the 16 is just right.
I’m lucky the first Parker I fired was a 16.
There are no 16 Ga repros? Correct?
Is there a sxs 16 modern gun?
The cost of 16 Ga shells and abcence of light loads is pushing me to reloading.

Yes, Clark, there are modern 16 side-by-sides. Two to consider are the CSMC FOX, and AyAs. I have both and can vouch for both. I’m pretty sure the Turkish guns come in 16s. No doubt someone will chime in for more options.

Clarke, 3/4 & 7/8 oz loads in the 16 are wonderful in an O frame 16, that's what started me into reloading. I shot 100 rounds of one ounce Remington game loads through my Ithaca 16 the other day and they had a sharp bite.

I had Arrieta built what I consider the perfect prairie gun, through the now defunct New England Arms: a 16 gauge sidelock with 30" barrels, custom dimensions, straight grip, splinter forend, and super wood. It has been my favorite upland gun for 20 years.

I bring other guns along, because good guns deserve to be shot, but if I am experiencing a shooting slump, I know which case to reach for.

Clark, there are 16 gauge Repros, all 0 frames. There are also dozens of makes of modern 16s. As far as 16 gauge ammo goes, "Watch the obituaries.". Many of us have been hoarding 16 gauge ammo for a long time.

I'm particularly weak for "0" frame 16s. 3 or 4 fluid steel and a recently acquired Damascus I've lusted after for a couple of years. "Carries like a 20, hits like a 12" was the saying when I was a kid and 16s were common. I load a 7/8 1185 fps round. Pleasant to shoot in guns under 6# (2 of mine are, 26") and works just fine on doves, quail, and clays. The 5#13oz is a favorite quail gun.

My original 16 is a pretty beat up gun. I keep that in the pick-up and tractor to keep the woodchucks at bay. It’s choked mod and full. Even me, a poor shot, have stopped a lumbering chuck with #6 shot and full choke.
I’ve acquired 2 other Parker’s and an Ithaca from members here. I feel a little guilty for not using them more, but feel the other Parkers in the cabinet all need a workout but also the lightest modern shells seem to jolt the gun more than I would like. It’s one thing to get a shot off at a “ground grizzly” and another to go through a couple boxes shells trying to break clays.
I have a few reloaded 16s given to me to try and they’re great. I just need to find the time to get set up :)

Keith, a 26 inch gun that’s under 6 pounds sounds like a treasure. My CHE has 28 inch barrels and weighs right at 6 lbs. The others are between about 6-4 and 6-7, except the hammer guns which are nearer to 7 lbs.

Clark, my 16 gauge Fox is, by request, under 6 lbs and has 29 inch barrels. Since I only hunt with my guns, and don’t shoot many birds, the recoil issue is not a factor. You can still have a bespoke gun and not have to sell the farm (pun intended) with the Spanish guns. I’d suggest getting fitted first after you are happy with your shooting mechanics. And note that, like so many other things, you’ll see changes as you age.

Speaking of bespoke.
Beverly and I just left London- checking out gun shops and the Louvre at the moment in Paris - Holland and Purdy were amazing - more on them when I’m back and can post pics.

There is just something I feel when I pick up a gun with history.
It’s a discussion that can go several ways. Pick up a gun and adapt to it or have the gun tailored to fit. There are arguments both ways.
One of my 16’s had a badly deteriorated butt pad, which I had lengthened a bit to 15” LOP.
It’s choked mod and ic.
Can’t wait to get home and try it.