We who populate this board are a niche in ourselves. I never ceased to be amazed how often I see nice 16s being used well in the field. THis is a place where many appreciate the edges.

That said outside of our niche crew I know of noone in my area who hunts a 16 save me. Almost all hunt 12's, a few 20s and a single man who uses a 28. He and I are the odd ducks.

That said I am the only one in our crew who shoots a SxS, all others a O/U or autoloader.

I believe that it maybe true as a group we lean to the smaller bores in our old age, but that is not because 12's are not valued. All of us already have them and we are adding small bores to fill niches we do not already have filled.

As funny as it sounds I think I will actually use a 12 more in the next month than my 16 (mainly because my son insists on using my best 16 and I am happy for the 2LT to get up and go out with me).

Long term I will use the 16 most of the time and still love my 12 on the side.

Michael Dittamo
Topeka, KS