16gaugeshotguns

The 16-gauge sporting shotgun holds a unique place in American hunting and shooting culture. Evocative of a bygone era, it conjures images of classic bird hunting, and remains a favorite among connoisseurs of fine firearms. Despite falling out of favor in the latter half of the 20th century due to the rise of the more popular 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotguns, the 16-gauge has seen something of a resurgence in popularity in recent years. This article looks at the history, features, usage, and future of the 16-gauge sporting shotgun.