I came to the 16 rather late, but as a lifelong reloader since age 14, I have yet to see a 20 ga. 7/8 oz or 1 oz load pattern better or out perform the same weight in the 16 ga. A lot of 20 ga. 3" loads were tested and I feel the same about the 3" 20 as the late Bob Brister; "Why would anybody want to shoot that high-pressure little bast***?" One of my 16's is the Harrod's (Webley action) pictured below. 29" barrels and a weight of 6 lb 3oz. With 2 1/2" shells and 7/8 oz of shot, I would put it up against any 20 ga. I won't mention one of my other favorite 16's as it has a single barrel and a moveable forend.
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"Last time I saw a chance like you, I shot about there." - Nash Buckingham