16x16/30-30 or 12x12/30-06

[dougk]

I am looking at 2 drillings.  Both are the same model one is 16x16/30-30 and the other is 12x12/30-06. I dont know the weight.

Which one would you go with and why?
thanks
Doug

[streak]

I am looking at 2 drillings.  Both are the same model one is 16x16/30-30 and the other is 12x12/30-06. I dont know the weight.

Which one would you go with and why?
thanks
Doug

I am by no means an expert on this, but would go with the 12x12/30-06 as weight probably would be a little less and versaltility of  reloading for the 30-06 would be of importance!
Ideal for me would be  a 16x16/30-06!

[Mike A.]

Since I only hunt medium game (deer and pigs) and upland birds and already reload for the 16, the 16x16x.30-30 would be a no-brainer for me.  It SHOULD be a lighter gun than the 12x12x.30-06, shouldn't it?  All the drillings I've ever handled were lighter as the guage got smaller...don't know why this wouldn't be the case here.

With modern ammunition a .30-30 is formidable, even if you don't reload.  If you do reload, it is better yet!  Not a .30-06, but enough.  And the recoil is easy to take, too.  You can do lots of load development and offhand practice with no bruises.

I'd only go for the big bopper if you think you are going to take on something that generally bites back.  (Piggies sometimes try, so get some buckshot for the 16 barrels).

[pastorp]

I agree that the 30-30-16 gauge would be the more usefull gun for me if they are in equal condition.

  but DougK seems to have a preference for 12 gauges.

Regards,

[dougk]

  but DougK seems to have a preference for 12 gauges.

Regards,

"O' contrare Bonswear"  From a Joh Wayne movie

I prefer the 16 ga.  for most hunting situations. 

For hogs I like 12 ga combos and drillings.  Those 3 inch Brenneke Black Magic slugs are devastating and the 3 inch 00 buck are great back up....

I am thinking the 16x16/30-30 might be the better option.

[pastorp]

doug,

My friend that reciently moved back to Florida bought a Ithica 16ga pump for his son a couple of days ago. Last night right at dark a small boar about 80# came in and he busted him with a load of buckshot.  I believe the 16 ga. still works.

I just wish I could find someplace to buy 16ga Brenneke slugs for my drilling....  I don't really like 3" Brennekie slugs, I shoot them in my 20 because that's all I can find up here.

Regards,

[dougk]

doug,

My friend that reciently moved back to Florida bought a Ithica 16ga pump for his son a couple of days ago. Last night right at dark a small boar about 80# came in and he busted him with a load of buckshot.  I believe the 16 ga. still works.

I just wish I could find someplace to buy 16ga Brenneke slugs for my drilling....  I don't really like 3" Brennekie slugs, I shoot them in my 20 because that's all I can find up here.

Regards,

Hey Byron

that Ithica pump is a fantastic gun....

I recently found a case or 2 of RWS Rotweil Brenneke Magnum 16 ga 2.75 inch slugs.  I am making sure all the chokes can support this slug.

Im there man.....

Regards,

Doug

[Bill R.]

Doug, If you buy and hang onto your guns and since you are already set up to reload 16 ga. then it might make since to go with the 16 ga. If you ever want to resell it then I think I would stay with the 12 ga/30-06. Most people don't reload the 16 and finding components is much harder. While the 30-30 can be reloaded to much higher levels than stock and with a single shot you can use pointed bullets, it can't equal a 30/06. You can always load the 30-06 down if recoil is a problem, So if this is one you put up and keep then the 16 is fine. If you want to sell it later the 12/30-06 will be easier to move. IMO as always. Either would be fun to hunt with and give you plenty of options. If you do go with the 16 let me know how much they want for the 12. Probably can't afford it right now but never hurts to ask.
Bill R.
PS: And no I didn't have alterior reasons for my answer.

[dougk]

Hey Bill

one is a Colt Sauer 12x12/.30-06 luxury which sold for $3k the other is a JP Sauer 116x16/.30-30  has an asking price of $3.6k both where made in Eckernförde.  The post WWII Sauer drillings where made in Eckernförde while the pre WWII Sauer drillings where made in Suhl.  The Suhl engraving and craftsmanship IMO is superior to Eckernförde.  The Colt Sauers look mass produced to me. 

Needless to say I passed on them, also neither had claw mount bases.

Thanks

Doug

[saltydog]

12 ga / '06 has most versatility and resale. Ability to use a low power scope is a plus.

[jager]

The drilling, in my opinion is the "perfect" size and weight with 16ga tubes (I have two).  The original drillings were designed with "rimmed" cartidges in mind for easier extraction and headspace dimensions, the .30/06 represents higher pressure capabilities than is usable in this action (a good "marketable" caliber, though). The 12ga drilling in a Sauer or any other brand seems to be just a bit "clumsy" to me regardless of the bottom "caliber" or utility of the cartridge. (What many times appears as the perfect "Swiss knife" option reminds me of how few times I carry that same knife in my pocket.)  A 7 1/4 pound, 16ga drilling is a "delight" to carry in the field whether you "arm" the forward trigger for the rifle barrel or not. IOW, it carries like a well balanced shotgun and "swings" like any "premium double".  Carrying a 8 pound, plus, drilling (not to mention if you add a scope) just does not appeal to this "user".  The 30/30 caliber fits the action to a "T" and is very usable given the pressure limits of the action and its ability to use "Spitzer" bullets.  Doug, just my .02 since you have owned more drillings than I have likely ever seen.  Regards!

[dougk]

Hey Jager,
great points.

Doug