The Decline of 10 Guage & 16-Gauge Shotgun
It has been years since I last saw a 10 gauge shotgun. If I had not read Kyle Wintersteen latest article at Shotgun News it might have been a few more years before I gave them some thought. Kyle writes …
Americans have no qualms with purchasing an assortment of specialized firearms. In terms of rifles, what gun safe is complete without a rimfire, a bolt-action and a semiauto carbine? And who could do without a compact handgun for summer carry or a full-size model for plinking?
Yet, when it comes to shotguns, so many consumers opt for one, do-it-all firearm — generally a pump or semiauto 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3- or 3-½-inch shells.
…
The 16-gauge enjoyed popularity into the early 20th century, perhaps not coincidentally in conjunction with the golden age of American shotgun manufacture.
…
Perhaps the real nail in the 16-gauge’s coffin came in 1954, when Winchester introduced a Model 21 side-by-side chambered for its new 3-inch, 20-gauge Western Super-X Magnum shotshells. The 20-gauge was now capable of 1-¼-ounce payloads, which consumers — rightly or wrongly — perceived as an advantage over 2-¾-inch, 1-ounce, 16-gauge shells. So, the 16-gauge was essentially dethroned as the lightweight alternative to the 12-gauge.
Read the full article here.
I founded TFB in 2007 and over 10 years worked tirelessly, with the help of my team, to build it up into the largest gun blog online. I retired as Editor in Chief in 2017. During my decade at TFB I was fortunate to work with the most amazing talented writers and genuinely good people!
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A browning gold 10ga purchase is on my list for 2015. certainly some advantages for large/heavy steel shot loads over the 12ga 3.5"
I had thought once or twice about a ten guage but the lack of available ammo has swayed my purchases.
also, the chiropractor bills wouldn't be worth it.
16 most likely went the way of the dinosaur because of a lack of purpose. need less recoil? 20 guage. need more oomph? 12 guage.