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Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

I would like to buy my first 16 gauge and have come across a new white lightning locally for $1400, tempting but I really had my heart set on a superlight (no feather). Anyone have a lead on a new one?

thanks,
Scott

Member Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 348 Location: Missouri

I bought a new one with 26" barrels from Quality Arms in Houston Tx in Dec of 07 for $1480. They've probably gone up since then but You might give them a call.

http://www.doublegunshop.com/quala3.htm

Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

Thanks for the tip, he doesn't have anything.
Anyone else? looking for 28".
Scott

Google Carolina Sporting Arms and visit their site. They are down in Charlotte and seem to have the widest selection of Browning 16 ga guns I've seen. But their prices need a little reduction! Get ready to bargain!

Member Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 279 Location: Mn

Google REEDS Sporting Goods. They are in Walker Mn and are a big browning dealer.

Charlie

Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

Guys,
thanks for the tip, neither could help. Might have to go with a 26" or the white lightning.
Scott

Did you check Bill Hanus? His site has a 26 inch Superlight pictured, quite a bit more than $1400 though, and I could not tell if it was in stock.

Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

I tried Bill, he only had 26" though, thanks for th tip.
Scott

Joined: 26 May 2008 Posts: 14

ive got a 16ga superlight 28" new in box if you are interested

I've owned and shot both a 28 and a 26 inch SL steel framed model. The SL 26" model is definately more handy than the SL 28" model IMO. I also own a 28" 1988 Lightning long tang, which is my "go to" gun. The stock is a bit heavier that that of the SL model and the gun does feel better balanced to me.

I also own and shoot a 1989 26" Lightning long tang model. Frankly, the difference in balance and weight between it and the 26" SL model are negligable. The Lightning is just tad heavier due to the additional wood in the stock and forend, but the balance and feel are identical for the same reasons for all practical purposes. So the only real difference between these two is styling. They both shoot identically well for me, because the drop to comb and heel and the length of pull are all the same for every one of these guns.

Some folks claim the straight stock models feel different to their grip hands, and the guns don't handle as well for them. I think this is due more to the fact that it is easier to float your grip a bit on the SL model. An inconsistant grip will throw one's shooting off a tad. However, this has never been a problem for me, so I can't say for sure. I shoot either one about as well as the other. This is because I always locate the trigger with my finger as I mount a gun to shoot it. My hand naturally settles in right where it should every time. I also never choke a gun's grip. I have a relaxed but controlled style of wingshooting that helps me stay fluid.

Just my thoughts on this matter based on my own experiences. Hope it helps you make a choice.

Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

16gaugeguy,

thanks for the response. Why do you prefer the 26" SL over the 28" SL but your "go to gun" is the Lightning 28". I am looking for an all around gun, probably end up shooting more clays than anything else (not by choice but opportunity). I Prefer styling of the SL.

thanks,
Scott

The 28" Lightning has a slightly heavier butt stock. This helps overcome the slight barrel heavy feeling the 28" SL seems to have--at least on my gun. The 26" SL has a better "between the hands" feel or balance. It tends to come up flatter and a bit faster than its 28" counterpart.

I opt for the shorties when I'm going after woodcock and grouse in the thickets. I will pick the longer guns for all round use like open area pheasants, doves, ferel pigeon, and for hunting in thinner cover. the longer tubes swing a bit more sweetly for me, especially on longer crossing shots.

To tell the truth though, I can make the distinction, because I own both Lightning models and the SL 26" gun as well. I sold the 28" SL, because I tended to gravitate to the others. Actually, I'd be more than happy with any of them if I could only have but one. They all fit me like they were custom made. That is just luck of the draw, because I seem to have the perfect build for these small frame Lightnings. I'd simply adjust the balance of the 28" SL to suit me by inserting a bit of weight into the stock bolt hole of the butt.

That goes to show you. Good shooting starts with your feet in the proper position, works up to how well the gun fits your body when its in a proper stance, and ends up in your head as an opinion. Laughing

Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

Thanks for spending the time to respond, that is some great insight, especially the opinion a the end, once I get all that straight I will be sure to share mine as well!
Scott

Scott:

I am interested in a Superlight 26" or a White Lightning 26". Have you found any sources in your quest for a 28" that might be of help.

Jeff

Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 58 Location: Austin, TX

Jeff,
I sent a PM on all leads I know of, good luck!
Scott