Keith, all of the Batavia series guns had no draw lugs, depending only on the rib extension bolt and they worked fine. Realistically, I do not know how much good the "draw lugs" did, but they were good advertising, at least. Go ahead and put the non draw lug barrels on your 16 ga. If they fit ok and are in good shape, they should perform fine.

Your description of the way the draw lug should work is on spot.

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