I am a 16 ga zealot, in that I use the gauge for everything from targets, to preserve birds, through to wild birds
That said, I do not find 16 gauge to possess any unique efficiency over other gauges. I find because I use it most often that picking up a 12 sxs with 30 in barrels feels enormous, but that is more perception than reality. I also find 1 oz works well, but again that is not because 1 oz is somehow magically best, but it is by habit what I use and shoot well.
My most often used guns are both well balanced 6lb 3oz guns with 26in & 27in barrels so my 30 in 7lb gun feels huge, but that does not mean light short barreled guns are best, but simply what I am used to using. (I have to admit better skeet scores come from my heavy long barrel gun than the light short guns)
What I like best is what I like. What I believe is all gauges can do the job and different people and situations simply will like and use different stuff
To be a 16 ga guy is to live with limited ammo availability and reloading. The only thing worse than 16 is 24 gauge which is complete affectaion.
There will always be a limited crew of 16 ga guys who use and like it, but given the challenges of feeding compared to 12 & 20 and even 28, it will always be an odd one out
Last edited by old colonel; 01/08/17 02:13 PM.
