Quote:
contemplating going with a 16 ga
.

That will double your ammo cost compared to a 12 or 20, unless you reload. If you choose to reload, you will still need plenty of scarce hulls, and you won't be able to just walk into most shops and buy 16 ga components. A 16 ga gun, all other things equal, will usually cost more than the same gun in 12 ga.