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First, the (sort-of) good news: the 16 gauge shotgun has been dying the same slow death now for about 50 years and it’s not dead yet. It has just made a strategic withdrawal, becoming more of a cult gun and a favorite of smart upland hunters and those willing to load for it.
Why did they stop making 16 gauge shotguns?
Not so many years ago, one of the other major sporting publications declared the death of the 16 gauge, citing the lack of available choices in both new guns and affordable ammunition as the twin executioners of the sub-gauge shotgun.
What is a 16 gauge shotgun best for?
While it’s certainly a capable all-around shotgun gauge suitable for deer, turkey, and duck hunting, the 16 gauge is most often used in the United States for hunting small and upland game like pheasant, quail, dove, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel.
Who made 16 gauge shotguns?
Load selection isn’t as widely varied as it is with the more popular 12 and 20 guns, but companies like Browning, Boss, Winchester, Kent, and Federal all manufacture 2 3/4-inch 16-gauge loads.
Does Mossberg make a 16 gauge shotgun?
Up for grabs is a Mossberg 500BB pump action shotgun in 16 gauge.
Are 16 gauge shotguns rare?
A rare sighting, the elusive 16 gauge shotgun out in the wild. The 12 gauge is far and away the most common shotgun shell in the country, and it just might be the single-most common ammunition cartridge among all firearms, pistols and rifles included. The 16-gauge, on the other hand, is somewhat of a rarity.
Is a 16 gauge shotgun good for home defense?
I would skip 16-gauges and 28-gauges, because their recoil-to-energy ratios are so close to that of the 12-gauge and the 20-gauge, respectively, that it’s not worth the scarcity of gun options and loads for them. Ammo for them is also expensive. If a 28- or 16-gauge is all you have, however, it’ll certainly do the job.
What is the effective range of a 16 gauge shotgun?
When used in choked barrels, this is a very effective load for medium-sized game at ranges of up to 35 / 36 metres.
Is a 16 gauge or 20 gauge more powerful?
Even though the diameter of the 16 gauge shell is . 67”, larger than the 20 gauge at . 615” — shells are loaded with the exact same amount of shot. With the Kent Fast Lead the 20 gauge carry a bit faster pace 1255 fps instead of the published 1220 fps for the 16.
Is a 10 gauge more powerful than a 12 gauge?
The 10-Gauge Advantage 775-bore whereas 12s have around . 729), which makes it capable of shooting larger size shot than a 12. It also makes it more deadly at distance because the wider bore allows 10-gauge pellets to arrive at the target all at once.
Can you buy a new 16 gauge shotgun?
Browning is currently the only major gunmaker to offer a new 16-gauge, but its new Sweet 16 has only the traditional 2 3/4-inch chamber. Browning has its own brand of shotgun ammo, but it does not actually make its own ammo. There is, however, a new 16-gauge is available with a 3-inch chamber.
What is the best shotgun ever made?
And so, with that, here are 20 of the best shotguns ever made in the United States. Remington Model 11. The Model 11 was a licensed version of the Browning Auto 5. Winchester Model 12. Winchester Model 42. Remington 870. Remington 1100. Kolar Max. Ljutic Space Gun. Ithaca Model 37.
Do they make a 4 gauge shotgun?
The next most popular sizes are 28 gauge and . 410 bore. Shotguns and shells exceeding 10 gauge, such as the 8 and 4 gauge, are rather rarely manufactured and only a few makers of the otherwise large market of shotgun, rifle and ammo makers across the United States still produce them.
Is 16 gauge making a comeback?
After teetering on the edge of obsolescence, the 16-gauge is making something of a comeback, and that’s good news for upland hunters.
What is the strongest shotgun gauge?
10 gauge – A heavy firearm with a forceful recoil, the 10 gauge is the largest legal shotgun in the United States. It’s not as popular as it once used to be, though it is still in use. It’s used primarily for hunting waterfowl, such as goose and duck.
What shotgun gauge is best for home defense?
The 12-gauge load most often recommended for home defense is the standard 2 ¾-inch No. 4 buckshot load holding 27 pellets, launched at 1,100 to 1,200 fps. Each pellet is . 24-caliber, weighing approximately 20 grains.
Is a 410 shotgun a good home defense gun?
The . 410-bore shotgun has long been dismissed as a useful home-protection option when compared to the more potent 12-ga. and 20-ga. defensive shotguns currently on the market.
Are 16 gauge shells expensive?
But for the average shooter or hunter, it’s far easier and less costly to purchase the easier-to-find and inexpensive 12- and 20-gauge shotguns and ammunition than it is to get 16-gauge items. In fact, 16-gauge shells are typically twice as expensive.
Is a 28 gauge shotgun good for home defense?
If you can handle the recoil and shoot a 12-gauge shotgun well, then there’s little reason to go with a smaller gauge for self-defense; after all, when your life’s on the line, the more lead delivered to your attacker is almost always better; anyone who tells you a 20-gauge is just as good as a 12-gauge or a 28-gauge Jun 15, 2020.
How far will a 12 gauge slug travel?
A slug also becomes increasingly inaccurate with distance; out to 100 yards, it drops approximately 5″ and has a maximum range of approximately 400 yards. In contrast, centerfire projectiles from rifles can travel miles. Shotgun slugs are best suited for uses over short ranges.
Why are 8 gauge shotguns illegal?
The 8-gauge dates back to the blackpowder days. They are an obsolete gauge that has not been made in the U.S. since the late 19th century and are illegal today for hunting waterfowl. It’s also illegal to shoot waterfowl with lead shot. The 10-gauge shotgun is the largest one used in the U.S. today.
What is the lowest gauge shotgun?
The smaller the gauge number, the wider the barrel. The largest shotgun is a 4-gauge. The . 410 shotgun, the smallest, is an exception to the rule: It’s actually a .
