16ga.com ~ View topic

Member Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 57 Location: Newport.OR

After reading the forums for 8 months I finally decided to register. I started with 16's when I was 7. The men all carried 16s then and I was allowed to shoot clay birds on the farm when they practiced. At 12, I bought an Ithaca M-37. I loved it and it shot well for me.At 14 it was stolen in the mail on a trip to the manufacturer for repair (wouldn't consistenetly eject low brass shells). I feel in love with the idea of a Sweet Sixteen A-5. So I cut lawns until I could purchase one. I was so pleased with myself but I could never shoot it well. I sold it as I had moved to 12 gauge. Two of my mentors, my grandfather and his brother both passed away shortly thereafter. They both left to me their M12 16 gauges.These guns were manufactured in the 20's I believe. I have recently sold one to a best friend after years of his bribing. I, of course, maintained first refusal should he ever decide to sell it. We plan hunts every year that are strictly 16 events. Now, I have purchased a Citori Lightning Feather. I, too, am the only 16 at the skeet range...lots of guys scratch their heads. I shoot trap competitively and use a 12 but theres nothing better to carry all day in the field than a 16. I've NEVER had trouble producing quick, humane kills on game taken at less than 35 yards and consistently do so at 40 if the shot is provides a good view of the vital organs. It has been interesting to read this forum from afar. Some of the political speeches get a bit long and convoluted but there is a wealth of good info here. Especially the load info since I've reloaded for 40 years but just recently decided to load 16s again. Wild pheasants have become a rare treat in Michigan....it's hard to train a new dog on wild birds . Guess I'll have to try Kansas and South Dakota. Wink

Welcome and thanks for sharing your story-what a wonderful gift to be able to carry your grandfather's M-12! That might be worth a thread some day Very Happy

Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 3438 Location: Illinois

Feel at home here---ask questions-----don't be a stranger Wink

Welcome;

And Kudo's on the Model 12. Wink

ioannes

Welcome aboard!

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1256 Location: Nebraska

We M12 owners likely outnumber the rest...AND we have the best-made slide action guns when it comes to the requirements for a grouse gun as laid down by Mr. Foster. Welcome!

kgb