I should mention that growing up (1950's-early 1960's) in very most NE NJ when grouse were still present and only a drive to the "Traditional Drowned Grounds" area of NY, I do remember many of my fathers bird dog Grouse/Woodcock buddies shooting 16g sxs guns.

It now seems to me, as others have said, the 16 was really the gun/gauge of choice for our feathered friends. I sure do wish I could go back to that era and pay more attention to the guns that were used. Oh man.... to go back......

Bruce, the Drowned Grounds was a hunting area for the sporting writer, Frank Forrester (Herbert). He writes of his hunts there in the early and mid-19th Century. Now that would really be going back(!) The changes to that area have been tremendous, and not good for hunting (or wildlife). My brother-in-law now lives in Northern New Jersey and on our occasional visits, I am reminded why I don't want to live in the most heavily populated state. It's neat that you have your memories of hunting the area before the intense development. I grew up in the Williamsburg-Jamestown-Yorktown area of Virginia, and we used to hunt in the woods that are now Busch Gardens. I cannot bear to go back and see what has happened.

Hmmm… I just remembered three more 16 gauge Parker hammerless gun I have. All three are Damascus Grade-2 guns, one an 1893 that was sent back to PB in 1913 to be converted to ejectors. This particular gun is the third Parker I ever bought and the first Parker I ever killed a grouse with.





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I have one hammer 16 but am very proud of it. With some luck, it won’t be the last

Mills, if you can find a 16 ga. Lifter you’ll love it forever!





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I found out one thing about this thread is that the people who own a Parker 16 ga. are very passionate about them. I didn't realize that there was this much enthusiasm over the 16 ga. and now wish I would have jumped on the BHE 16 ga. sooner.Ah well- The next gun I would really like in my Parker collection is a minty 410 but am going to keep the door open on a 16.

I still kick myself for not jumping on yours when you sold it

Well if the current owner ever gets tired of I’ve already told him I’ll buy it back. I really miss that gun.





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I can wait. And if Cameron wants it, Harry can wait

I really love my 16's. They are very nimble to carry and pack a great punch. Even walmart sells the shells