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Forums10
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Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,179 Likes: 1161
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,179 Likes: 1161 |
Miller, the 16 was reasonably popular in my part of the country as well, with pheasants and waterfowl being the primary species when I was starting to hunt. Back when we could shoot lead at ducks, a 16 wasn't much of a handicap. And although those Belgian Sweet 16's aren't ultralight by any means, they're one heck of a lot lighter than an A-5 in 12ga. Quite a few 16ga pumps in use back then. I think that many men switched to 16s in their autumn years because of weight. My Grandaddy shot a 12 ga. S x S until he shot it loose, then bought a 12 ga. 1897, and believe it or not, wore it out on quail, ducks, doves and turkeys. In his later years he bought a Rem. M11 16 ga. which now resides with me. I have to believe it had something to do with weight. SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350 |
Stan, I think it had a lot to do with weight. And, for that reason---picking up on your word "men"---a reluctance to advertise the reason.
To our credit, I've noticed during the time I've been here there's been increasing comment about the smaller gauges with no apologies for using them.
It raised the notion in my head that there may have been a lot more 16-gauge going on than we thought. We just didn't want to appear effete!
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,308 Likes: 44
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,308 Likes: 44 |
Maybe that's why they call it the "Queen" of guns.
_____________________________
Me thinks you think too much.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,494 Likes: 396
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,494 Likes: 396 |
What? Are you guys serious? Not carrying a 16 or 20 because you might appear effete??
Maybe I'm weird but I've never chosen gun gauge to make my dick look bigger or to prove my masculinity to anyone. And I don't know (knowingly) any hunters who do.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350 |
James, you're not common. I know lots of guys with magnumitis who believe bigger gauge bigger man. They brag about using 3-inch and more to get the job done. I don't know if it derives from notions of masculinity or knowing better or having the money to buy consumerism's latest gimmick. I do know they look down on smaller gauges in a duck blind. There's as much ignorance afield as anywhere else.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,350 |
I used the word effete with OED meaning of feeble, exhausted or worn-out, lonesome, not as feminine as so many believe. Good catch, though.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,494 Likes: 396
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,494 Likes: 396 |
James, you're not common. I know lots of guys with magnumitis who believe bigger gauge bigger man. They brag about using 3-inch and more to get the job done. I don't know if it derives from notions of masculinity or knowing better or having the money to buy consumerism's latest gimmick. I do know they look down on smaller gauges in a duck blind. There's as much ignorance afield as anywhere else. LOL Maybe it's a Maritime thing. Actually King, I would be more impressed by a guy who gets the job done in an effective and humane way BY USING A SMALLER GAUGE. More skill required, in theory. And I'm not too impressed by the trend to 3 1/2" 12 gauge. Seems to me to be a version of blaming your equipment. But that's me. When everyone is doing one thing, I look very closely at doing the opposite. A little contrapuntal by nature. I think many of us here are that way. Hell, we all use SxS. 
Last edited by canvasback; 01/10/17 12:33 PM.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,381 Likes: 1 |
Maybe that's why they call it the "Queen" of guns.
_____________________________
Me thinks you think too much. The 16ga isn't "Queen" of guns I don't bother with this gauge because I can get 12ga English or Continental double that is very, very light. If I was into American classics I admit buying 16ga A.H.Fox with certain barrel weight or Parker Bros of certain frame size and barrels makes the endeavor vary, very worthwhile.
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,100 Likes: 339
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,100 Likes: 339 |
I went through the 16 gauge thing in the 80's and well into the 90's. Then I got over it. I realized it offers nothing over a 20 gauge in today's loadings, even moreso when you factor in the 3" 20. Maybe 60 years ago, but not today.
Today, the 16 gauge is a purely emotional choice, and I understand that 100%. Sometimes, it is a situation of choosing the gun, not the gauge, where you say "well I love this gun, even though it's a 16, and I'll take it anyway". All things equal otherwise, you would have really preferred a 20. Not necessarily every time, but more than not.
And I would not rule out owning another one. I still have my Dad's 16 ga Model 37 Ithaca that I grew up shooting and haven't shot in 50 years, but I certainly don't want another 16 at this point. Good luck and good shooting to all those who do.
JR
Be strong, be of good courage.
God bless America, long live the Republic.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,092 Likes: 13
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,092 Likes: 13 |
Wow, an actual discussion about guns without politics. I love it.
So many guns, so little time!
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