16 Gauge
The romantic's gauge — lovely to carry all day behind a bird dog, as long as you accept a thin ammo aisle and plan ahead.
Family
Shotshell
Introduced
1880
Origin
European and American gunmakers, 19th century
History
The 16 gauge was long the gentleman's upland bore, marketed on the old line that it 'carries like a 20 and hits like a 12.' It thrived through the mid-20th century in guns like the Browning Sweet Sixteen before the 20 gauge's 3-inch magnum and skeet's gauge categories squeezed it out. A modest revival among upland traditionalists keeps it alive.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
Browning Sweet Sixteen A5, classic American doubles from Parker and L.C. Smith, and modern CZ and Browning offerings.
Common load types
Lead birdshot primarily, with limited buckshot and slug offerings.
Reference only — not loading data, not ballistics advice, and KitID links to no ammunition sellers. Know your local law before you buy anything that goes bang.