16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 28 Jan 2018 Posts: 159

I own shotguns in the six gauges that we commonly use in the US. 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, and 410. I have always known that there were other gauges out there, but never paid much attention. Aside from the gauges bigger than the 10, I have heard mention [on here, and other places,] of 14ga, 24ga, and 32ga. I was surprised to learn that federal actually makes shells for the 24 and the 32 gauges. That would seem to indicate that there are people out there that actually use these two gauges. Any one on here?

Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 962 Location: Minnesota

Same as the OP, I have and use the more common gauges, except I sold my Rem SP10.
I’ve seen a 24 ga, in LGS a few years ago. Have never seen a 32 ga or ammo in 24 or 32 ga.

The Upland Gun Company/RFM will build you a new, modern, semi-custom 24 gauge or 32 gauge if you'd like one Smile

. They can also do two-barrel sets in 24 gauge and 32 gauge.

https://uplandguncompany.com/

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

Fiocchi also makes 24 and 32 gauge.BPI sells components.Really no advantage over U.S. gauges----Common components are hard enough to find let alone these obscure gauges.

*Last edited by skeettx on Thu Jan 12, 2023 7:04 pm; edited 1 time in total*

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/New-Hulls-By-Gauge/departments/848/

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Wads-by-gauge/departments/284/

Not an issue and I have converted MEC reloaders to load the plastic hulls

I use a manual system to load the Magtech brass hulls

https://www.ballisticproducts.com/Brass-hulls/products/202/

Guns are American arms Silver made by Fausti

Joined: 28 Jan 2018 Posts: 159

Nothing larger than 10 gauge, can not hunt with anything over 10

Ithaca NID
L. C. Smith Grade 2 Hammerless

Gentlemen,

I have 12 gauge thru .410 and use them all for dog training and Bird hunting.
Have been looking for a nice 10 gauge for a long time, would like a nice L.C. Smith or Baker Hammer gun.

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith Man

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2347 Location: West MI

10-410 excepting 32, for the time being.

BP is also my source for 24ga components, thank you BPI. Converted one of their 20ga roll crimp tools (removed roll pin) and use a 28ga collet in the Sizemaster = drill press hull vice for reloads. RFS manual has some published recipes. As far as I can tell from the ones I have, Fed 24ga shells are rebranded Fio's. AA/Zoli Silver O/U.

Hmmm, didn't know UGC was offering 24ga guns, interesting.

Joined: 15 Feb 2018 Posts: 20

This is a German 24ga with fixed chamber sleeves to 28ga. I had won an auction that listed this gun as a 28ga. It a hammerless side lever. And a killer quail gun.

[url=https://ibb.co/9GchYq1]

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This is a 32ga Belgium guild gun. Weight is just 4-10oz. I also have no issues taking quail with it.

[url=https://ibb.co/NtpJVxs]

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stillwater medical group

Ive had 1 other 24ga and 3 other 32ga.

Anybody have a pic of a 14 gauge?

24 gauge -- I've converted a MEC 600 to 24 gauge. It takes a little machine work. Biggest job is reaming out a plastic 28 gauge crimp die to suit the 24 ga. -- had to make a custom reamer and get the taper right on the end. The rest is all a bunch of modifications of 28 and 20 gauge parts -- turned down 20 gauge crimp closing punch, opened up 28 gauge resize ring and shell holder plate, etc. I have generally switched to using the SuperSizer for resizing, though. The article below shows my typical loads, etc, and also my roll crimping set-up. I do either 6-point star crimp or a roll crimp. Component availability is not bad. See my article below.

http://www.16ga.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=108701&highlight=#108701

Cheers!
Tony

Joined: 30 Sep 2019 Posts: 145 Location: Colorado

I own and shoot a number of 16’s the large majority of which are Ithaca SxS’s. Not much else. However I do have a couple of other interesting doubles.

One is a gun that Dave (Pine Creek) would be interested in (Sorry, it’s not for sale.)
It’s a 10ga 32” hammer double. From the time that Wm. Henry Baker sold out to L.C Smith in 1880 and before he formed in 1883 what became Ithaca L.C. continued to produce Baker doubles. Mine is an 1883 model and is especially interesting because rather than a top or under lever, it has the articulated front trigger opener. Inscribed on the top rib is, “L.C. Smith maker of Baker Guns, Syracuse , N.Y.” Dave, with your love of Elsies and your desire for a Baker 10ga this is the double you need to be looking for.

The other gun I’d mention is a gauge that isn’t mentioned in this thread and has been largely forgotten. It’s the 11 gauge. I have a hammer percussion double in this gauge with 38” barrels. Carrying proof marks that came into usage in 1868 it was built in Birmingham and sold here in the states. If you’re interested in seeing pictures and reading its story, Google “11 ga W. Morse & Co. SxS” to read the thread over on the Double Gun site.

FallCreekFan,

Thanks for the recommendation on the Baker 10 gauge with the trigger opener.
The one I saw had Damascus barrels, does your Baker gun have Damascus Barrels?

all the best,

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith Man

Joined: 30 Sep 2019 Posts: 145 Location: Colorado

Dave, mine is the “Quality B” which came with a few upgrades e.g. checkering, pistol grip, ebony forend inlay, and either Damascus or laminated steel barrels. Mine has the laminated steel.

If you can find a good one, you’ll scratch your Baker and your Elsie itch in one stroke.

Good hunting.