Old vs New 16s

ligonierbill · April 27, 2024, 12:39 PM

I got these two out for the first time this week. Top is a 1924 vintage Parker "Trojan", below is a new CZ Sharptail, both 16 gauge. The CZ is heavier (feel, did not weigh them), has about an inch longer pull, and the barrels are set a little further apart. It is IC/Mod vs the Parker's Mod/Full. I was shooting RST 2 1/2" 7/8 oz #7 1/2 labeled 1,125 fps, light load in deference to the pre-1926 Parker. As you would expect, the new CZ feels a little chunky in comparison, but I really didn't notice it shouldering and firing at clay birds. Both pointed naturally and smoked birds. Should note that I was running a Champion Whirlybird for the first time, and it really sends those clays. So these weren't gimmes.

I do love those old doubles, but I was really pleased with the CZ. Guess which one cost less!

bamaranger · April 27, 2024, 05:08 PM

My Dad was a 16 ga man, and I've always had a soft spot for the shell. I own only one shotgun so chambered, a blue collar early 311A apparently built just after WWII.

I'm guessing the CZ is far cheaper than the Parker like by about 3X!

georgehwbush · April 27, 2024, 05:18 PM

i started off with a savage stevens 20 once barrel; it out shot anything i have had sense. now have 12's but have never owned a 16 the idea of one ounce per ball seems like a good size just never owned one. the winchester 1200 pump seems like a good shooter and is smooth enough if you hold on to it. don't want any 12 gage to get a run at you...

MarkCO · April 27, 2024, 05:54 PM

I'd like a 16g Double someday to go along with my Ithaca 37 Ultralight.

The Verminator · April 28, 2024, 11:37 AM

I started off as a child with a 1894 Remington 16 Gauge double.

Incredible gun that killed a lot of ruffed grouse on the wing because it pointed so naturally and balanced so well.......even for a kid.

It's the one outstanding gun from my childhood that I wish I could have now.

Memories.

deadcoyote · April 29, 2024, 09:34 PM

I live in an area of California where a lot of Danes settled and farm. The 16 gauge is quite popular with them and they all chorus at me “kills like a 12 but kicks like a 20”. I’ve always found it humorous. My first shotgun was a Winchester model 12 in 16 gauge.

April 27, 2024, 05:08 PM	#2
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,332	16 ga My Dad was a 16 ga man, and I've always had a soft spot for the shell. I own only one shotgun so chambered, a blue collar early 311A apparently built just after WWII. I'm guessing the CZ is far cheaper than the Parker like by about 3X!

April 27, 2024, 05:54 PM	#4
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,309	I'd like a 16g Double someday to go along with my Ithaca 37 Ultralight. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

April 27, 2024, 05:18 PM	#3
georgehwbush Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2023 Location: down town USA Posts: 211	i started off with a savage stevens 20 once barrel; it out shot anything i have had sense. now have 12's but have never owned a 16 the idea of one ounce per ball seems like a good size just never owned one. the winchester 1200 pump seems like a good shooter and is smooth enough if you hold on to it. don't want any 12 gage to get a run at you...

April 28, 2024, 11:37 AM	#5
The Verminator Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2013 Location: Minnesota Posts: 350	I started off as a child with a 1894 Remington 16 Gauge double. Incredible gun that killed a lot of ruffed grouse on the wing because it pointed so naturally and balanced so well.......even for a kid. It's the one outstanding gun from my childhood that I wish I could have now. Memories.

April 29, 2024, 09:34 PM	#6
deadcoyote Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: northern CA Posts: 676	I live in an area of California where a lot of Danes settled and farm. The 16 gauge is quite popular with them and they all chorus at me “kills like a 12 but kicks like a 20”. I’ve always found it humorous. My first shotgun was a Winchester model 12 in 16 gauge.