Very interesting stuff. The 16 has a long ring (maybe 1 1/4 inch) at the top of the recoil spring that is stamped "This end forward towards muzzle for all loads."
I've adopted my Uncle's 11-48. I"ve used it for some hunting and now want to begin using it for skeet. Price of shells means I'll want to reload. I want to preserve the gun as long as possible ...