I've related my fondness for the 16 so many times and in so many places that it's become a cliche. My dad shot a Savage 16 - a "poor man's A5" - and when I got old enough to shoot a real shotgun it was that one. It was the only gun I owned and when years later I went in search of my first sxs shotgun it had to be a 16ga. And it was. I have 12's and 20's and even a little .410, but if I'm afield it's likely a 16 hanging in the crook of my arm. I've never lauded it as superior or cared what anyone else shoots; I just like 'em. I've got four now. and if I coulda ever found a 16ga SBT I'd probably be shooting it too. I've been a member at 16ga.com since its inception, but frankly I've never cared a whit whether the 16 lived or died. I've got enough ammo stockpiled to last my remaining days, so...

This is the gun that started it for me; thanks Pop...

https://i.imgur.com/JKc6xXql.jpg

It goes through periods of popularity or a brief resurgence and then is pushed aside in favor of something else.

As long as young folks keep getting involved in hunting and shooting, they will discover it and keep it alive. The 28 gauge would not be my first, second, or third choice for waterfowl, but with advancements in ammunition it is the "It Girl" of the moment.

Browning is still listing the 16 for 2026, so people are buying them.

I can find 16g ammo just fine. It's expensive and very testy so that pretty much rules out the vintage guns. With Longshot, Perfect Pattern and powders and wads available it isn't hard to grab a single stage press and load what you like, especially if you thought ahead and kept about six gazillion RST hulls like I did. That being said, BP usually has primed Cheddite hulls so the ammo argument never held water with me. If you're a competitive shooter perhaps but then again you'll usually have a modern O/U. As far as the 28g goes, I DO BELIEVE that is GOD'S preferred gauge. I love them. But I'm a sinner so don't have one (in a Parker) yet.

I have always loved the 16G, have a pair of Model 12s, Light and Heavy, two side by sides and have plenty of Ammo, One of the side by sides is 2-1/2" so got that when I purchased that gun. 8 Boxes from the prior owner and then from other suppliers and from Gun shows. I retired back in 1998 and the older gun shows had plenty of 16s for dirt cheap prices. Now at 82 I know my sons will have to carry some of the out of the gun room down the road.

I have had many 16ga guns over the years, killed many birds with them.I am down to only 2 at this time, A Parker GH 30" a real nice gun and my Merkel that I've had for near 40 years, she has 29 3/16 " barrels, weight of 6lb 7oz ,handles like a dream and has killed many grouse and woodcock over the years. I may be hooked on the 28-gauge at the moment but I still love the 16ga.

Here’s a couple of Parker 16s after a successful hunt.

Shot my 16 ga VH that I had Larry DelGrego restock a dz or so yrs ago. Received many favorable comments from the club members that I usually shoot skeet with. Some have asked me
to will it to them when I pass but I tell them it's a family gun and one of my 2 grandsons will get it when I pass. Oh this 16 brings back so many fond memories.

Out with my 1902 28” O frame VH 16g looking for some NY Woodcock this past October. Feel fortunate I was started young on a 16g as my first hunting gun. Life would be so strange otherwise .

I grew up shooting purple hulls in a hammerless Savage single shot. That thing would knock the boogers out of you. I still have it but seldom shoot it. I shoot a lot and favor the 12 over everything else. I change the payload accordingly. I love my 7/8 oz 7 1/2 load for the 12!

Knock the boogers out of you!! :rotf: Now that’s just funny right there!!