What year was the 16 gauge shotgun invented?

1866
Nonetheless, according to Cartridges of the World, 13th Ed., “In 1866, a rebated-reloadable-steel, 16-gauge shell was patented by Thomas L Sturtevant.

Do they make 16 gauge shotguns?

Browning is currently the only major gunmaker to offer a new 16-gauge, but its new Sweet 16 has only the traditional 2 3/4-inch chamber. Browning has its own brand of shotgun ammo, but it does not actually make its own ammo. There is, however, a new 16-gauge is available with a 3-inch chamber.

Is the 16 gauge shotgun obsolete?

First, the (sort-of) good news: the 16 gauge shotgun has been dying the same slow death now for about 50 years and it’s not dead yet. It has just made a strategic withdrawal, becoming more of a cult gun and a favorite of smart upland hunters and those willing to load for it.

When did the 16 gauge shotgun become an orphan?

When the rules for skeet were drawn up, in 1926, it was decreed that the game would be officially shot with four gauges—12, 20, 28, and .410—and that left the 16 an orphan. You might think this would have had a minimal effect, but the course of events went roughly as follows.

Is the Stevens 555E a 16 gauge shotgun?

As light as the Stevens 555E 16 gauge was, along with 1300fps loads and my 5-foot-5-inch, 150 pound frame, it was clear that we were a poor combination. Nevertheless, I shot a decent round of skeet with it and happily retired it along with every 12 gauge that already had been sold off, stored away, or forgotten about, and pulled out my 28 gauge.

When did the Browning Sweet Sixteen come out?

The popularity and success of the Sweet Sixteen from 1937 through 1947 earned it a permanent place in Browning marketing as the 1948 engraved “Sweet Sixteen.” 1947 is also the only year the 3 shot 2 ¾ 16ga was marketed in the USA. Getting one of these extremely rare original factory issued guns at a standard gun price is a trophy in itself.

Is there a serial number for the Sweet Sixteen?

Only two are known to have been shipped to the U.S. There is no serial number distinction between the Sweet Sixteen and Regular Y series 16ga. As for dating this gun, the date code on the barrel may be the most reliable source. An example and discussion of a Sweet Y gun is featured on p.34-35 of this guide.