Gotta say I've really enjoyed my 16 Ga. 4/53. I've had it about six years and have put several thousand rounds through it. When I got it I intended it to be a game gun and to shoot targets with something else but I enjoy shooting the thing so much that it's what I usually grab.
The fit and finish is good (but not great) and it's got a nice piece of wood. I was actually surprised when I got it to see plugs in the checkered butt indicating I assume that some care was taken to balance the gun at the factory. I did not expect that at the price range (about $1,700) but I was gald to see it.
It also gets hunted a lot in all weather from Georgia to Michigan and other than some rather noble signs of use and age it's held up beautifully. It'll be in a south Georgia river bottom (not the bottom of a river) for tomorrow's woodcock opener.
Sent it to Jack Rowe for a strip and clean last year and I expect to use it until I walk my legs off.
SK
