{"id":3198,"date":"2019-01-02T14:52:15","date_gmt":"2019-01-02T14:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=3198"},"modified":"2025-10-01T20:18:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T20:18:21","slug":"12-gauge-vs-16-gauge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/12-gauge-vs-16-gauge\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Gauge vs. 16 Gauge"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we get started diving into the 12 gauge vs. 16 gauge debate, let\u2019s take a quick moment to make sure we understand shotgun gauges. Unlike calibers, with shotgun gauge, the smaller the number the wider the barrel. Gauge is determined by the number of lead balls equal in diameter to the barrel that it would take to weigh one pound. In a 12 gauge, which has a barrel diameter of .729 inches, it would take 12 balls equal to the barrel\u2019s bore to weigh one pound. Likewise, for a 16 gauge, which has a barrel diameter of .662 inches, it would take 16 lead balls to equal a pound. This is important to remember when selecting shotguns, as the inverted small-number-equals-larger-bore can be confusing to beginners.<\/p>\n

What Ever Happened to the 16-Gauge?<\/b><\/h3>\n
\"a
A rare sighting, the elusive 16 gauge shotgun out in the wild.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 12 gauge is far and away the most common shotgun shell in the country, and it just might be the single-most common ammunition cartridge among all firearms, pistols and rifles included. The 16-gauge, on the other hand, is somewhat of a rarity.<\/p>\n

To give an example of the differences, just look at the available shotguns listed on one popular firearms retailer’s website.\u00a0(As of late December 2018.)<\/p>\n

Shotguns Available for Purchase<\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n12-Gauge Shotguns<\/strong><\/td>\n16-Gauge Shotguns<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Semiautomatic<\/strong><\/td>\n68<\/td>\n1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pump-Action<\/strong><\/td>\n41<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Double-Barrel<\/strong><\/td>\n32<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bolt-Action<\/strong><\/td>\n4<\/td>\n0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total<\/strong><\/td>\n145<\/strong><\/td>\n5<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

As you can see from this count, there are tons of options for 12-gauge shotgun. One of the leading retailers in the U.S., is no different than most big-box stores and local gun shops: there are plenty of 12 gauges to choose from but very few 16-gauge firearms.<\/p>\n

12 Gauge vs. 16 Gauge Ammo Options<\/h4>\n

The same is true for ammunition availability. At\u00a0AmmunitionToGo.com<\/span>, we try to keep as large a supply of ammunition as possible. Due to manufacturer\u2019s production, we have 312 different options for 12-gauge ammo<\/a> right now. (Total includes same shells in different-sized packages.) For 16-gauge shells, it kills me to admit, we have only 11.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n $8.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"logo\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n Federal Power Shok 12 Gauge 2 3\/4\" 1 oz. Rifled HP Slug - 5 Rounds <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"product\"\n <\/div>\n
\n
\n $94.95 <\/div>\n
\n $88.95 <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \"logo\"\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n 250rds - 12 Gauge Winchester Super Target 2 3\/4\" 1 1\/8oz. 2 3\/4 Dram #7 1\/2 Shot Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n