16ga.com ~ View topic

Hello all. I have just joined this group. I didn't know there were others with this affliction. Last year I bought my first 16. It is an early M12 that someone cut the barrel to 23" (maybe removing a Polychoke?) and installed a vent rib and screw-in chokes. I thought this might make a quick grouse gun so I bought it, found some 16ga ammo, and went grouse hunting. Obviously the gun fits me because I limited out in short order. I have used it numerous times on grouse with good success.

I'm not a pumpgun fan, although I use them at times. Yesterday I saw a 16ga SXS in the local gunshop so I bought it (Don't need to explain why, do I?). I'm in Arizona now and dove season re-opens friday. Do you think 7.5 Federals and IC / Mod chokes will work OK for late season doves? Or should I take my 28ga? (Speaking of that, is there a "28ga Society"?)

Anyhow, I look forward to discussing guns, loads, hunts, etc with all of you. This appears to be a bunch of informed and friendly folk.

Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Posts: 30

hello and welcome,

from one newcomer to another.. don't know much about 28's, and fairly new to 16's myself...safe hunting, straight shooting

cheers
kevin

Welcome aboard wabahockey! Those seasoned doves are probably going to be flying higher and faster this time around. 1oz of 7.5s should be perfect for your 16ga as should the IC / Mod chokes.

Hc

Thanks to all. I'll give you a hunt report next week.

Welcome aboard Wabahockey. How come you didn't tell us what kinda SxS you bought Question

BTW, whats the dove limit down there in sunshine land ? I'd take the 28ga. too. Why leave the poor thing home. Have a goodtime Smile

Thanks for the welcome, Captian Billy. I guess I was a little embarased by my 16ga SXS. Mine ain't fancy. It's more of a "Blue Collar Winchester". It's a Winchester M24 with 26" barrels choked IC / Mod. It doesn't feel as clunky as it looks. I bought it because when I threw it up to my shoulder everything was aligned. Hard to find that in a gun off the rack so I bought it. I plan to use it on grouse in Oregon and Washington.

After reading a few posts here I think I'll try it in Arizona this season. I usually use a 28ga, sometimes a 20ga; whichever I feel like that day. After all, it's not as important how many birds I get. It's how I got them that interests me. Guess I'm an uncurable gun nut.

Embarased? I'll admit that they aren't Model 21's, but my 16ga Model 24 fits me pretty good too. Wink

And they remain somewhat affordable.

JT

You're right, of course. I can't afford some of the fancy doubles and most off the cheaper guns are...well..cheap. The M24 was made when Winchester still made good guns so I'm hoping it will be reliable. And, ya know, it's starting to look better every day. Thanks, JT

Blue collars built this country Very Happy

Enjoy your Model 24

Good solid guns, I sure like mine and my Winchester Model 37, also a blue collar gun

rayb

I promised a hunt report. I took the 16ga sxs out the first day and DIDN'T SEE A BIRD! I couldn't believe it. I was anxious to get the barrels hot on my new (to me) gun. I don't know why the birds are scarce. Plenty around the house in the city. In fact in driving to and from the hunting field the only flace I saw any birds is when I passed a house. Seems like every house had doves on the telephone wires and quail running across the road in front of me. Been out a couple times since then trying to find a new place and have a grand total of 2 birds in the freezer. Sorry boys. I'll try harder.

Guest

Woody if the birds are hanging around built up area start looking for water and you will find birds.

Here's the problem. The Southwest is experiencing a building boom (what's new?) and all the little towns are getting greedy for a tax base. So what they have done is expand their city limits as much as 5 to 15 miles from ther former city limits. Before that the building pretty much ended near the city limits. Now there are miles of desert (good habitat) that are within the city limits of a town. "No hunting or discharge of firearms within the city limits". The birds think this is a good idea. The Animal Rights Fanatics (ARF) like it too. I was raised on a farm and have always understood the concept of "leaving some birds for seed" but if all the seed is in the grainery nobody gets any except the rats. I guess I'm just a relic leftover from the days of reason.

Sorry for all the whining. In a few days I will head out into unknown territory to find a new "honey hole".