doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com 16 gauge premium over a 12?

About how much of a premium will a 16 fetch above an identical 12? In this case it's a prewar British boxlock.

15%

50%

16 British doubles are a lot rarer than 12's in my experiences. I would expect to have a least 25% premium and would not be suprised at a 50% asking price extra. Asking and getting are not the same.

One other important thing other than the short chamber of British doubles when compared to US doubles is the weight issue. A 12 British double will weigh less than a US 12 and about what a US 16 weighs. A 16 British double is in the US 20 range. So if you are looking for a 7 pound double think British 12 or US 16. If you are looking for a six pound gun look for a British 16 or a US 20.

Less for me.

While some say a british 16 is worth more than a 12 of the same grade and maker and that maybe true. However it must be understood as a buyer as if you are the seller you may discover a 2 1/2 16 gauge is harder to sell than a 12 all other things being equal regardless of beauty.

I admit I am partial to 16's and took my first prairie chicken of this year with my lightweight 16 Greener FH50. I agree that many Brit or Belgian 16s weigh the same or lighter than an American 20.

I'm with Rookhawk: 50%

Three to four years ago I would have agreed with 50%. Now, I think the 16 bore market has weakened/cooled and 25% may be more realistic.

DDA

Joe, Rocketman, AmarilloMike, OldColonel, et al.,

Being British 16Ga shotguns more expensive than 12Ga's, perhaps reflecting the former's scarcity, does it applies the same difference to US shotguns? Which other variables may be at play with your local makes?

As a matter of fact down South here, in spite the 16Ga is less abundant it gets 15 to 30% less price than a 12Ga of the same make/class. The main reason IMO is that locally the 16Ga is considered a "blue collar" gun. On the other hand, the 20Ga equivalent is regularly 15-25% more expensive. There is a widespread fad here that regards the 20Ga more "sporting". In addition, older, well to do shooters here also prefer and pay a premium for 20Ga shotguns because of weight and recoil.

Regards,

EJSXS

According to research carried out several years ago by Eley; only 3.2% approx; of British shotguns were made in 16G.[As a matter of interest the same 3.2% also applies to 20G].
The 16G has never been popular with British sportsmen.Webley and Scott offered a 16G in their 700 series of shotguns ,the price for the 16&12G was the same!
In past times the 16G shotguns in the U.K.was difficult to sell.During the 1960- 1990 period they could be purchased for 60-75% of a 12G of similar condition/type/make.
In recent years several dealers in the U.S.A have taken to listing the 16G along with .410,28G & 20G as a,"Small Bore" with prices escalated accordingly.
I for one would not pay premium for a 16G over a 12G to gain a weight reducion of 5-6 ozs.This logic may not apply to a collector.