16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1356 Location: Western WA

Been thinking about these photos posted by Skeettx:

Now my mind is completely stuck in a brain loop. What the dickens is that thing? There IS no 16 ga skeet class (although I have trod that ground on occasion), and there has NEVER BEEN one. So WHY would someone ever make such a thing, or order one, or…,or…,

The only thing I can come up with is Skeettx has unearthed the firearms equivalent of a UNICORN. A factory Ford with a Chevy engine. A bicycle built for two with only one seat. A quarter with two heads.

Skeettx, I take my hat off to you, sir.

B.

Joined: 07 Mar 2010 Posts: 489 Location: South Eastern PA

Brewster, they are out there, I have one too!

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1356 Location: Western WA

Another one! Will wonders ever cease?

B.

Apparently there are a handful of browning A-3’s withe the sweet sixteen weight reduction treatment out in the wild as well. Or so I’ve been told. Never seen one…

I have two M12 16ga guns marked SKEET. Both solid rib guns from 1937.

I also have gorgeous a M12 20ga marked SKEET with a solid rib same era.

*Last edited by skeettx on Sat Mar 30, 2024 7:17 am; edited 1 time in total*

https://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=112744

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2387 Location: West MI

Sorry if this add's dimension to your loop Brewster11, but, I have 2 11-48 Sportsman models marked Skeet on their barrels. 1 marked 11-48SC on the action body. Near as I can tell 1953 & 63 year of manufactures.

Along w/you I can't imagine how or why with no 16ga skeet division (any Mfg) these Skeet 16's were made. I can only dream they were ordered by some Grouse or Quail hunters seeing the bene of the tweener between Cyl & IC chokes for hunting close cover OR maybe just rabbid Skeet shooters who loved the gauge.

See the W stamp on my receiver below the word SKEET?

https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-shotguns/winchester-model-12-factory-receiver-mark/

As I understand it, a 16 is scored with the 12 in clubs who adhere to the skeet rules, however loosely. There may not be a class but I believe NSSA would simply lump you in with the 12, have not verified though. Many clubs will have a 16 gauge day or even a league, typically a smaller turnout. In fact, I have a flat of old Remington “Power Piston Skeet Loads” in 16. I bet those older 16 gauge guns were marketed much the same way the new Citoris are, for us dedicated fans as a “novelty”, possibly with a price bump.

My grouse hunting mentor from Maine shot a Weatherby 12 O/U with fixed chokes: U: skeet 1, O: skeet 2. He said it was “perfect for pa’tridge”. Can’t really disagree, even in 16.

Joined: 30 Sep 2020 Posts: 193 Location: ont canada

Everytime skeettx post pictures of that 16 skeet model 12 I turn green with envy. Yes they made a 16 skeet m12 they even made a AA shell for that purpuse it was to allow women and recoil sensitive shooters a way to compete in the 12 gauge division with less recoil and weight . Being old has some advantages.

Joined: 09 Aug 2007 Posts: 465 Location: WI

Is it marked "Skeet" because of the choke? Seems the most likely thing, but honestly I have no idea. I do have a Remington Sportsman 48 that is marked "Full" on the barrel, although I had the choke opened up to Skeet to shoot steel out of it over 30 years ago.

SKEET grade is the model. 26" barrel, checkered wood (upgraded wood). All I've seen have ribs.

Some M12 guns are stamped TRAP.

Some are "Pigeon Grade" with a pigeon stamped on the magazine.

Joined: 30 Sep 2020 Posts: 193 Location: ont canada

You did it again nice piece I have that same skeet model in 20 and 12 gauge but not 16. Turning green as we speak.

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1356 Location: Western WA

Not to mention the jumbo safety which is hard to find now!

B.