12 Gauge vs 16 Gauge: Which is Better?

[timmy]

These sorts of questions are always bound to start an argument between the experts who attend "The Old Stove Society" meetings, but there's some interesting information presented in this video.

I'm not much of a shotgun person, but I do have both a 12 and a 16, so I found this of interest. Perhaps you will, also.

[hornet22]

I would go with the 12 bore since it is easy to get 12 bore ammo where ever you are in the world.

16 bore guns weigh and feel almost like a 12 but have less shots so I don't see any advantages.

Thats my opinion

[Rakshith]

i have both and shoot the 16 just to be different

[veeveeaar]

16 bore ammo is hard to get and very expensive. 12 bore ammo is available in many choices. so go for 12 bore

[timmy]

16 bore ammo is hard to get and very expensive. 12 bore ammo is available in many choices. so go for 12 bore

It's very hard to argue with this viewpoint -- 16 gauge shells are not common except in large stores, and even then, one is lucky to find one or two loads. Usually, these will be field loads with birdshot -- nothing larger than #6. Any buckshot or larger waterfowl loads are not found anymore.

HOWEVER, despite heavy 20 gauge loads taking over a lot of the 16 gauge territory, there is still something quite nice about the lines of a 16 gauge, and the way it swings and handles is nice, too. So, if you've got one, enjoy it! Even though the ammo supply is slim, they are still quite nice!