Sat down to buy a new shotgun today

[tom tutwiler]

IMO the best deal on a 16 gauge out there right now is the Fox Sterlingworth. 28" barreled guns are everywhere and pretty darn cheap. Later Savage made guns will have a better chance of having more modern dimensions and also 2 3/4" chambers. Most of them will be under 6.5 pounds. They are pretty simple guns which is a good thing. PS. Finding ones with a good bit of case color and unturned screws will be a bit tougher, but they are certainly out there. 12 gauges are at give away prices, but the 16's handle much better in the woods imo.

[Bill Murphy]

A 12 gauge VH Parker or Fox Sterlingworth in high original condition would be my choice.

[Double Lab]

Keep looking. There are decent Parkers out there for under 2k. I also suggest to consider a Fox Sterlingworth or an A grade, and or a Lefever, or both.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Don't turn your nose up on a solid Trojan. They break birds and take game as well as a graded gun will. Personally, I like VH Parkers. Solid guns that shoot and shoot and shoot.... I have some higher grade guns only because they were at the right price. As WHO mentioned, join the PGCA and you'll have access to the "For Sale" forum where you are guaranteed to find some nice shotguns.

[BRDHNTR]

Of all my Parkers, my 20 ga Trojan is the favorite..

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by allen newell

Of all my Parkers, my 20 ga Trojan is the favorite..

A 20 gauge Trojan would be wonderful! I have my dad's little 20 gauge Knickerbocher. It's marked "New York Gun Company" I think. (I'm not looking at it as I write.) Gun was made in the early 20th Century. It is the only gun my dad ever owned. I never saw him miss a single shot with the little gun. It feels like a little Trojan.

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Keep looking. There are decent Parkers out there for under 2k. I also suggest to consider a Fox Sterlingworth or an A grade, and or a Lefever, or both.

I've been messing with antique shotguns for 50+ years. I own a wonderful Sterly in 12 and a very nice, but low grade Lefever 12. I am drawn to old double guns. They sing. I also like 16 gauge. They seem to shoot as hard as do 12s and the guns are just enough lighter to make a difference. Least to me. Now this may make you guys cringe, but I just bought a 16 gauge Model 12 Winny, made in 1934. No finish, okay wood. It fits me.