It's long been a dream of mine to have a nice side-by-side. Since I've got 12 and 20 pumps, and have a long-standing romantic interest in 16 gauges, it looks like a S/S 16 is the way to go. My local gunshop has a bunch of them that go back to the 20s and those have an appeal, but I thought I'd also look into a more current vintage that may come with some choke tube and be a bit more versital. I'd apprecaite any help. thanks

There are some fine sxs 16's being made today, and the price tag reflects that. Tony Galazan of Connecticut Shotguns has brought back many of the classic designs - LC Smith, Fox, Winchester M21, Ithaca, Parker, etc... and his chambering some for the 16 gauge. These are really expensive scatterguns, but are of very high quality.

Beretta made a double 16 at one time, I'm not sure if they still make it or not. I believe the Spanish AYA and German Merkel are still making 16's.

There are also some imports from Turkey and Russia, Huglu comes to mind right off the bat. Last I had seen, they were making a 16. That was a couple of years ago and I haven't heard anything pro or con since.

Except the Huglu, all of these shotguns will start around the $2-3K range. You might be able to find a used one on GunBroker or GunsAmerica at a better price. Some of the older shotguns like the Stevens can usually be found for not too much money but that kind of rules out steel shot or having choke tubes.

I would keep looking at the used gun racks and see what turns up. I understand that Weatherby is bringing out a 16 gauge S/S and have tried to order one. All the best...
Gil

European American Armory makes a couple in 16ga and they aren't too bad as far as quality. They should cost you a little under $400 new. You can look at the at www.eaacorp.com (http://www.eaacorp.com)

George

I just grabbed this old Stevens made in the 40's for less than $300 bucks. It shows it's age, but is mechanically sound and shoots nice.
http://www.mwade.net/ogpix/smof3760.jpg

They are out there, just be patient, you'll find one....that is, if you are looking for a classic.