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The preliminary test firing with factory ammo today was very promising. The gun shoots awesome. We fired side by side test patterns with the Super 16 with 12ga tubes, Browning A5 16ga, and Ithaca 37 16ga. We fired three shots each at 30 and 50yds with Federal Magnum 1 1/4oz 16ga Wingshok. Using full chokes in each, the A5 produced the most even patterns in a 30 inch circle. In previous tests with my A5 and Ithaca 37 the Ithaca out performed the A5 with 1 1/8oz standard loads.

The Super 16 had a denser core, 12 inches within the 30inch circle with deeper penetration over the A5 and Ithaca. The recoil of the Super felt lighter than the A5. I will conduct some serious tests with pictures later.

Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 3 Location: Illinois

I have an LC Smith factory chambered for 3"

*Last edited by morngstar on Thu Apr 03, 2014 7:09 am; edited 1 time in total*

Does anyone have access to any documentation on which guns were offered in 3" chambers. I am especially interested in the Winchester model 21 3" chambered 16ga. I read they were offered as a custom option in the 30's. I have looked at a 1936 Model 21 dealer order form. It had many options but no mention of the 3 inch option. It did have a place for comments and special instructions.

Member Joined: 25 Jan 2014 Posts: 49 Location: Indiana

But still if something in 3" were going to grab the public I don't see testing with 12ga.accessories. Why not see if a ammo company would make some 3" paper hulls. Should be easier to produce or maybe not. Stick with all else original 16 components. Get on older single break open like an HR and extend the chamber. I don't see the point using a 12 ga just to use the outside diameter of a 16 ga and all else 12 ga. But everybody pops different caps.

Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Posts: 1358 Location: Twin Cities, MN

morningstar
Any more testing? I hope you are going to be shooting at least 10 patterns with each cartridge/gun combination and then counting pellets. Looking at 3 patterns and eyeballing them is just not rigorous enough. Given the enormous variation in shotgun patterns you could repeat your prior test and get different results. As a general rule the larger the bore the less dense the core, but this is a generalization. I really want to see how your Super performs, but to show that it is an improvement will take a lot of work. Any chance you can make it to my 16 gauge shoot in the Twin Cities on May 16th? Love to see your Super in action.
Regards
Jeff

I am planning to attend the Mlps/St Paul May 17th 16ga shoot and show event.

http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15636&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=297760&start=80

When it comes to interior and exterior shot shell ballistics, the only way to improve things is to go bigger. This is very old news. It's why smooth bore cannons must have bigger bores in order to shoot heavier balls further. It's why we have 10 ga long range waterfowling shotguns. It's also why significantly over bored 12 ga trap guns outperform any with standard diameter bores from the back fence. So I'm certain 16 ga magnum weight shot loads of bigger pellets will shoot faster and further and will pattern better out of a gun with a 12 gauge diameter bore.

However, bigger diameter barrels must be bigger around and heavier as well. Just how it is. The action will need to be beefed up some to handle the extra forces and stress. So a 16 with 12 gauge bores designed to handle significantly heavier shot loads will have to be significantly heavier. Recoil will also increase as shot load weights and velocities increase, so the extra weight will probably be welcomed by most shooters.

However, we lose the benefit of lighter weight, i.e, more responsiveness, and ease of carry. This becomes readily apparent in typical upland cover when bird hunting at shorter ranges. That's where the 16 thrives IMO.

I see no advantage over a lightly built 12 gauge built to handle up to 1-1/2 ounce shot loads in 2-3/4 inch hulls. Why reinvent the wheel? Why not simply get a 12 ga designed for hunting larger upland birds in more open cover at longer ranges and be done with it. After all, a well balanced 7.25 to 7.5 pound gun will handle the same regardless of bore diameter.

There is a time and place for all things including hunting guns (which are simply tools after all). I love my 16 ga. guns for what they are, but I also recognize their limitations. I'll carry a 12 when it's called for. Just how it is for me. Anyone else can do as they see fit. It's a free country so they say.

what the hell are you on!

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3177 Location: NCWa

Member Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 885 Location: Wisconsin

I have over a dozen 16s, in SxSs, O/Us, self loaders and pumps with chambers 2 9/16ths and 2 3/4 ins. Love just the way they are. If the 3" would become commercially available, I'll pass. I've been shooting the 16 since the early 50s. Still load steel and use them for duck, and upland birds hunting. and am well satisfied. My lowly opinion.

15gg
You are no authority. You know so little But say it in so many words.