The 16 gauge for Turkey, Why not?

[Tom007]

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Thought this might be a good thread to get ideas why the 16 gauge is over-looked for turkey. I have a sweet sixteen Browning with a 26 inch barrel, DS Invector choke system. I put a Brilley Extra Full Turkey choke in it, it patterns real well. Here is the big news, it weighs 5 pounds, 12 ounces. It does not kick much at all. I know the biggest reason why it is not popular is availability of loads. I do see Apex makes some Turkey loads for the 16’s. Love to hear the forum’s thoughts on this. I haven’t used it for turkey yet, but next year I may give it a go. It is a great pheasant/bird gun....Thanks...

[bbcoach]

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As you have said the only reason I believe the 16 is overlooked is the LACK of off the shelf ammo.  If you have a gun that shoots and patterns well and can get or reload your own ammo, I think the 16 would be a GREAT gun.  When I was a young man, the 16 was a great quail and rabbit gun and you could get plenty of over the counter ammo.

[Tom007]

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Thanks, yes the turkey loads are not plentiful. I did have no problem getting high brass upland Nicklel plated #5’s, they come in boxes of 25 very reasonable. They patterned well. Be safe.....

[LaLongbeard]

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With 20s, 28s and even .410s being used now no reasons 16 won’t work. Alot of the sub gauge users are getting their ammo from Apex or Nitro and they both make 16. If a 20 can do it a 16 gauge will be no different.
     The 16 gauge has made a  bit of a comeback Walmart Academy etc. sell buck shot and high brass loads now. For a long time any 16 gauge load was hard to find.

[Tom007]

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Thanks LA. I think I am going to work more with it, and get some turkey loads from the list you mentioned. The gun handles real nice, I have to think about camo for it.

[Greg Massey]

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Nothing wrong with the 16 ga. I have one and always enjoy shooting the little gun.

[Sir-diealot]

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My step father uses an old left handed bolt action 16 for deer hunting that would perform well on turkey too I would suppose.

[Ozarks Hillbilly]

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16 and 28 are making a comeback especially in the SxS and O/U platforms.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Tom007]

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Wow, thanks team. You convinced me to “Turkey-ise” it. Be safe....

[Tail Feathers]

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Good gun, can find quality ammo for it and it patterns well.  And it's light.  Enjoy it in the woods this spring!

[Tom007]

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My step father uses an old left handed bolt action 16 for deer hunting that would perform well on turkey too I would suppose.

You should try it On your next NY bird......

[Tom007]

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Good gun, can find quality ammo for it and it patterns well.  And it's light.  Enjoy it in the woods this spring!

Thanks much......

[Tom007]

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Nothing wrong with the 16 ga. I have one and always enjoy shooting the little gun.

Thanks Greg....

[guesswho]

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I killed a lot of turkeys with an 11-48 16 gauge as a kid.  My Mom still uses it on occasion.   I just got back from my parents house in Florida.  I was looking at it last night remembering some of the deer, hogs and turkeys I have killed with it.   

[Jstocks]

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16 gauge is really my favorite, but I have never shot a turkey with one. I have killed many a dove though. I have several, and I plan on shooting one with my old A5 one day. I bet the new A5 is a sweet gun!