I've had one of these 98s in 16 gau. for 53 years and still have it. My father bought the gun for me on my 16th birthday, at one time it was my only shotgun and I used it a lot, hunted almost every day back then. I won't say much about about the "other" bolt action shotguns available at the time but IMHO most were clunks compared to these 98s. These 98s had their faults but workmanship especially in the metal department was more than adequate ( smooth ) for a cheap gun - I think father paid $20.00. BTW used store bought, standard ( no magnum ) load shells available back then & now - never a problem. Just my 2 cents worth, which I hestitated to post with the atmosphere on the site at present. --- John Can.