I use a 16 gauge for just about all of my upland and duck shooting. I got my first one, an Ithaca Model 37 while a teenager.

Personally, I think it is a niche gauge in the USA today. Historically, it was known as the Queen of the Uplands and in many ways it still is. As we all know, better loads in 20 gauge and lighter guns in 12 along with the availability and choices of ammunition in those gauges pretty much pushed the 16 aside.

Whenever a major manufacturer brings a new one out or reintroduces one like the Browning Citori or Remington 870 it brings renewed excitement but then it dies down again and they get dropped from the line.

We like it for the nostalgia, and we know how good it is. If the different Facebook pages devoted to the 16 gauge are any indicator, it will be around for awhile and many young shooters are discovering it too. I enjoy reading the posts of young people who have acquired a nice 16 either by purchase or pass down.