16 gauge Foxes

[whisperbow]

I am 67 and have been hunting since I was a youngster on our farm in Kansas. During that time I have owned and experienced many shotguns. I started with a 12ga. and after college went to mostly 20ga. guns. Today, I hunt with 20,12,28, and my little Stevens double 410 that made a lucky kill on a Pheasant this month. Anyway, in all those years of quail and pheasant hunts I have never owned or used a 16ga of any kind. One of my prize possessions is an old Grade A 12 that I have restored and use each season. Based on that love affair, I am curious about acquiring a Grade A or Sterlingworth 16ga. My questions are:
1. Gun for gun are they in line with the cost of a Fox 12 and what is the price range for a Grade A or Sterlingworth?
2. Is the frame proportioned to the 16 or 20?
3. What is there weight range and is it related to the barrel nos. like my 12 which has #4 barrels?
4. Any other recommendations related to selection like barrel length,chokes etc.

[vaturkey]

I'll do my best to answer your questions, but there are folks much more knowledgeable then me who will probably chime in:

1. Gun for gun are they in line with the cost of a Fox 12 and what is the price range for a Grade A or Sterlingworth?

In my opinion, they normally cost 25% more then a like 12 gauge, except if you are looking at and ejector 16 gauge it would be like 35% more.

2. Is the frame proportioned to the 16 or 20?

Fox small gauge's are all built on the same size frame.


3. What is there weight range and is it related to the barrel nos. like my 12 which has #4 barrels?

There was indeed different weight ranges due to barrel thickness sizes, just like the 12 gauge. I've got a 16 gauge that weighs 5 lbs 10 oz (26" barrels) and another that weighs 6 lbs 12 oz (28" barrels). I also have a 30 inch that weighs the same as the 28" barrel gun. I believe the Utica made guns are are a tad heavier as they often have bulkier forearms and non-capped pistol grips that are also heavier.

4. Any other recommendations related to selection like barrel length,chokes etc.

Most Common 16 gauge IMO is 28" number 3 weight barrels in Mod/Full. 26" are second most common, followed by 30" (pretty rare) and 32" (really really rare),

[DSizemore]

Just my opinion, but I'd figure on spending well over 25% more for a graded 16 as opposed to a graded 12.

[whisperbow]

Thanks for the reply guys. It was very helpful.