16 Gauge Short ??

[diametrik 7]

A friend of mine has an older 16 Gauge that will not chamber standard 16 Gauge shells. I guess length is the same as 12 Ga. at 2-3/4 ?
The question is was there a shorter 16 Gauge in years past, perhaps 2-5/8 length ??

[SLO_Ryan]

I have seen short 12ga shells for home defense (so you can fit a lot in a tube mag), but I don't think there was a gun made that would only chamber these.

Is is possible that there is some obstruction that prevents a normal 16ga round from chambering? Does he have any rounds it will chamber?

[Mssr. Eleganté]

There is at least one company that makes the shorter shotgun shells for older shotguns. They have 2 1/2 inch shells for both 12 and 16 gauge...

http://www.polywad.com/vintager.html

[mjsweims]

2-1/2" was a common European size in 16ga. You can get Cheddite hulls for reloading from Grafs. I don't know about buying off the shelf but you could try BPI. ANother solution would be to get the barrels enlarged to accept 2-3/4.

[cousinkix1953]

A friend of mine has an older 16 Gauge that will not chamber standard 16 Gauge shells. I guess length is the same as 12 Ga. at 2-3/4 ?
The question is was there a shorter 16 Gauge in years past, perhaps 2-5/8 length ??

Early 16 guage Browning AL-5s were chambered for a 2 9/16 in shell. A gunsmith can rechamber those barrels to 2 3/4 inches and you're good to go. He should be able to rechamber many other models too.