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Does anyone believe that 16 gauge will eventually cease to exist? With the end of 16 gauge gun production I can’t see manufacturers continuing production in the future. I’m currently looking at a couple shotguns all in a 16ga and I’m wondering if it’s still a wise decision. It’s one of my favorite rounds to shoot. Thoughts anyone?

Savage, CZ, and Browning still produce 16 gauge shotguns. 16 gauge has been "dying" for what, 50 years? Maybe not the most popular but ammo will be made for it. There are a lot of 16 gauges still out there as well. I too like the 16 and wish mossberg would swing back around and make a pump but I digress...

If at all worried about ammo, rst shells make a great selection of obsolete shotgun shells.

http://www.rstshells.com/store/m/3-16-Gauge.aspx

The only real shortage of 16ga. shells is in buckshot loadings. I can find plenty of #6 or #8 shot ammo if I look for it. Certainly less common, but you even find it at some Walmarts.

However, finding buckshot in 16ga. is even harder. Back before all this current mess, I lucked out at UNAMMO and scored some. I'll check there again next time I'm looking for some. I've occasionally seen a couple boxes on the shelf at Cabelas', but not regularly.

16ga. shotguns can be a real steal for this perceived shortage. My own 16ga. is a double-barrel coach gun I bought for a mere $100 a few years ago at a gun show from a walk-in. It is basically my designated give-away piece to hand off to some cohort or ally who is not only unarmed but mostly untrained. Something nearly anyone understands how to use with a minimal amount of instruction at the moment of emergency.

Historically, there were only 2 buckshot loads ever widely offered in 16ga., and those were 4buck and 0buck. Today, for whatever reason, 4buck seems the most likely of the 2 to be found. But obviously (to me anyway) 0buck is the one you want.

Don't see why it should die. I know a few guys who still have, like and use one.

Killed my first deer with 16ga single shot, with hand loaded rifled Brenneke slugs.

Worked for me.

Thanks for the reply’s all. I had no idea they still made 16ga guns. Now that I know that, I will look at my options. It is after all my preference when it comes to shotguns.

I have three 16 gauge shotguns, I feed them purple Herters from Cabelas

I use a Sweet 16 for duck and geese. If you think it is hard to find regular shells, try to find steel shot. It's a little tough, but Mac's Prairie Wing in Stutgart Ark always has a sufficient stock. Lead and smaller size shot. Mail order, too.

Watch yer 6!
Dave