Amazing! Eleven pages in this thread so far, and no one has mentioned the advantage of the "square load" in the 16 as a basis of its superiority. A few years ago there would have been pages of argument over that. Although I have at least 6 sixteens, including Charlin, ND, Parker, Rem 1894, and 2 LC Smiths, none are my favored hunting gun. For quail, doves and preserve pheasant and chukar I use a 20, with either 7/8 or 1 oz of shot, for wild pheasant over pointing dogs I want a 12 ga with 1 1/4 oz of #5s. The 20 will do anything a 16 will, and is usually lighter with even more slender barrels. I believe that the 20 ga with modern shells is why the 16 is not more popular - its not needed.

Last edited by Tom Martin; 07/03/12 07:46 PM. Reason: spelling