Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns 16 Gauge 870

I cleaned this one up and replaced the wood. We went for a walk this AM.

Thats cool Swampman, I love my 16 gauge pumps (their old M12 Winchesters). I am on the prowl for a 1950's era (corncob fore-end) M870 and a similar vintage M37, both in 16 gauge.

I also love my 16 ga pump. It's a very old Winchester M12
with the corn cob fore-end. It was made in the 1920's.
An Aunt claims to have the hang tag and other paperwork
for it. She lives out of state.

Problem is the 16 ga ammo ! Every year 16 ga gets harder
to find. When I do find 16 ga., it always cost twice as
much as 12ga.

I've got a 16ga 870, old style with teh corn cob forend. I get my 16ga ammo at Walmart. Federal Blue Box, $5.49 a box of 25 for #8 lead shot.

Hotload, I also recommend you check out a Wal-Mart. They sell Remington Game Loads in this area (eastern NC) for $5.79 per box, plus tax. The higher grade of Remington shells (in the Green & Yellow box) is about $11.97 per box. I have found one local area gunshop that sells Winchester Super-X field loads (1 oz.) for $69.95 per case plus tax ($75.37 total) - I buy my 16 gauge shells by the case from both stores and always keep several cases in stock at home.

Ps I posted this picture in the top thread, but I never get tired of looking at my two 16 gauge pumps!

great looking gun who can't love the 16ga.I personally own 3 ithaca 37's but if a nice 870 comes to me i would'nt pass

Just for fun I was looking at Gunbroker WIN M12 16 ga.
prices. WOW ! Two M12 16ga. , $450 and $650.
Any comments on M12 prices ?

Also - I can get the original hangtag for my M12 16 ga
but it will take some work. What do you think ...
is it worth the time and effort ?
Thanks

As to prices .... I paid less than what you saw on Gunbroker for one of mine and more than what you saw for the other - guess they averaged out. If I could get the hangtag and paper info for mine I would, but if I couldn't then it wouldn't bother me. I have one old M94 (1958 mfg) that I have the original receipt and all paperwork for; its cool to look at the old booklet, hangtag, etc., (especially the new price from 1958) but it doesn't have any other usefulness (except for the cool factor).

Good to see some other 16 ga fans! Never cared for the 870 (too heavy) until I bought an old (1953) Wingmaster in 16 ga. Light, well balanced, swings well & a pleasure to carry.

If the only shotgun I own is a 16 gauge, I would go forth into the world and use it for everything. It still puzzles me why the 12 became the "universal" bore and not the 16. Don't get me wrong, I shant give up my 12,20,28's and go solo with the 16's, but, well, you see what I mean...

i agree the 16 can do it all

I've got its near sister an 11-48 in 16ga with a poly choke. Carry's nice swings great and is just a neat old gun. Though if the right m12 or m97 in 16ga happened to be around I'd pick it on up.