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Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:56 pm
by HenryFan
I wonder if there is any interest, other than by me, in a Henry single-shot shotgun in 16 gauge? I am a traditionalist and something about a blue steel, walnut stocked 16 gauge single-barrel shotgun brings warm thoughts to me on this chilly day.
I would be the terror of the rabbit population.
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:45 pm
by Cowboy Gun Fan
I'm a 16 Gauge fan myself, but I would want it in a Side by Side Double Barrel. The one I have now is about 99 years old and it may be time to make it a wall hanger.
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2024 6:05 pm
by Vaquero
Almost as useless as the 410 around these parts as ammo for both are pretty much non-extent.
I've never even shot a 16ga of any type.
Like CGF, I prefer SxS's.
RP
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 11:34 am
by ditchparrot
IMO, the 16 is the greatest of all shotgun gauges. Ballistically, nothing beats a 1-ounce load of lead fired from a 16-gauge for bird hunting. I have two that I hunt with –- both Ithaca Model 37s. One is very old and the other is relatively new. Ammo can be difficult to acquire and expensive, but I manage to have enough for my purposes. I won't reload it since I only go through maybe seven or eight boxes a year, mostly on live birds.
I'd buy a Henry 16 the very day it became available to me, but I'm not sure that many other folks would. Probably wouldn't be worth it to the company.
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 11:41 am
by HenryFan
ditchparrot -
You are a connoisseur of shotguns!
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:36 pm
by Cowboy Gun Fan
The 16 I have is the first gun I ever owned and as mentioned is about 99 years old now. It's a Stevens-Savage Side by Side Double Barrel. It has all the original numbers on it, but I can't find the exact date as the records never survived. But through much research, it's about a 1925.
I rarely shoot it, but when I do I only use Field Load. Still, because of it's age, I am losing my confidence using it. What would you all say?
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:45 pm
by Vaquero
Cowboy Gun Fan wrote: ↑Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:36 pm
The 16 I have is the first gun I ever owned and as mentioned is about 99 years old now. It's a Stevens-Savage Side by Side Double Barrel. It has all the original numbers on it, but I can't find the exact date as the records never survived. But through much research, it's about a 1925.
I rarely shoot it, but when I do I only use Field Load. Still, because of it's age, I am losing my confidence using it. What would you all say?
I "think" you'll be fine as from what I've read that most reputable shotgun makers were using better steel in their barrels after 1920.
I have an old J Stevens SxS 12ga that the best I can figure was made in the early 20's.
Shoots fine and I've hunted and taken a few pheasants with it.
I mostly shoot light and field loads just because, besides with a heavy load it does recoil a bit.
Love the ole exposed hammers it has and was one of the main reasons I bought it.
RP
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 2:02 pm
by Cowboy Gun Fan
Good to hear about the better steel. My 16 is a Hammerless Model 335.
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 2:14 pm
by Vaquero
Cowboy Gun Fan wrote: ↑Sat Jan 20, 2024 2:02 pm
Good to hear about the better steel. My 16 is a Hammerless Model 335.
Cool, mine is a model 235.
I should've added that earlier.
RP
Re: Henry Shotgun in 16 Gauge?
Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2024 2:48 pm
by Shakey Jake
ditchparrot wrote: ↑Sat Jan 20, 2024 11:34 am
IMO, the 16 is the greatest of all shotgun gauges. Ballistically, nothing beats a 1-ounce load of lead fired from a 16-gauge for bird hunting. I have two that I hunt with –- both Ithaca Model 37s. One is very old and the other is relatively new. Ammo can be difficult to acquire and expensive, but I manage to have enough for my purposes. I won't reload it since I only go through maybe seven or eight boxes a year, mostly on live birds.
I'd buy a Henry 16 the very day it became available to me, but I'm not sure that many other folks would. Probably wouldn't be worth it to the company.
I have my Dad's Ithaca Model 37. He thought it was the best gauge to hunt quail.
Jake