hunting with a 16 gauge

[ccmathewshooter]

ive got a 16 gauge double barrel that my grandpa give its a j.c higgins an old gun he got back in th 60's it still looks brand new. I was wondering if any of you hunt with one and whats the best ammo to use since you cant get turkey loads for 16 gauge

[Double B]

Man that sounds like fun. What are the chokes? I'd say you pheasant loads in #4,5 or 6's. You just won't have the yardage of the tighter choked 12's. Probably have to pattern and see, but limit of 25-30 yards. You might try 6's in the open choke and 4's in a modified or full and see how it does. That way you have an option it the bird gets real closeor stays out a bit;).

[Double B]

One other thing, sometimes those old guns take old odd lengths, like 2 9/16's or something (I'm no expert). Make sure it can shoot the modern length shells before you shoot modern magnum loads. I'd have someone look it over if your not sure. Have fun.

[snood]

I collect Model 24's and use a 16 gauge for my turkey hunting. It's 28" barrells choked full and modified. I use Hi-Brass Federal #6 lead. Nothing fancy. Patterns nice out to about 35 yards. That's plenty far enough in my opinion. I love the sxs's.

[shaman]

ive got a 16 gauge double barrel that my grandpa give its a j.c higgins an old gun he got back in th 60's it still looks brand new. I was wondering if any of you hunt with one and whats the best ammo to use since you cant get turkey loads for 16 gauge

My 1st wife used to borrow Gramps' Model 12 in 16 GA for turkey hunting. It seemed to throw a decent pattern out to 30 yards. It was full-choked. She was using high-brass Federal #4's.

[ccmathewshooter]

thanks im a young hunter and love to turkey hunt and grandpa died when i was 8 and and few years ago my grandma give it to me for christmas one of the best presents ive got but i would just like to kill a bird with it, an again thanks for all the help

[tnbullet]

I think that you have a GREAT idea!!
I've got My great grandfather's (on Dad's side)12 ga. Nitro Hunter and my cousin has my great grandfather's (Mom's side) 16 ga. Nitro Hunter.I'm planning on trying to kill a long beard with each of them.

[ccmathewshooter]

yeah i hope that u do good luck this spring

[reivertom]

thanks im a young hunter and love to turkey hunt and grandpa died when i was 8 and and few years ago my grandma give it to me for christmas one of the best presents ive got but i would just like to kill a bird with it, an again thanks for all the help


I have an old 16 gauge Springfield single barrel made in 1912 that was my Great Uncle's.(very well made) My dad used it right after WW2 in Alabama where he went to school which was also where his uncle lived. I have used it for nearly 30 years and is still the best feeling gun I own. Use your old gun , have fun and pass it down. 16 is a great gauge, sort of a "tweener". It will have more value to you than you could ever get for it in money. You might begin to prefer it over other guns.