Author Topic: Which shotguns have different frames for different gauges? (Read 556 times)

BattleRifleG3 · « **on:** November 09, 2005, 08:19:25 PM »

I'm thinking primarily pumps here. I've read elsewhere that a shotgun built with a frame specific to the gauge fired is much handier.

For example, when asked why use a 16ga when a 12 is so common and close, 16ga fans explain that the real benefits are gained with a 16ga on a 16ga frame.

Well that led me to wonder which shotguns out there really were sized for the gauge of shell they fired. From my engineering perspective, making a different frame for a 12 and 16ga, as close as they are, doesn't make a whole lot of sense, though I can understand the advantages, however small they may be.

20ga, on the other hand, well it seems pretty dang cheap to make a 20ga with the exact same frame as a 12ga. When looking at the array of shotguns lately, it seemed as though Winchester does that with the model 1300. Is that the case? And are there other shotguns that have the 12 and 20ga built on the same frame?

myronman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 10, 2005, 01:52:08 AM »

pump wise, i dont believe i have seen a 20 built on a 12 gauge frame.

and if you think a 20 gauge pump handles nice, try a 28 double built on a 28 frame. most 28 gauges are built on 20 gauge frames.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #2 on:** November 10, 2005, 02:54:23 AM »

winchester 1300 is a 20 on a 12's frame.

i am not sure of others but i know that one.

-Matt

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2005, 03:08:49 AM »

I believe Remington makes three different frames. The 12, the 20 and another for 28 and .410. Winchester used to make one for 12, one for 20 and 28 and yet another for the .410. This was in the day of the Model 12 and Model 42. I think they made 16s on both 12 and 20 ga frames. Not sure if they ever made a separate frame for the gauge tho. In fact I'm not certain anyone has ever made a separate 16 ga. pump frame.

dwl · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2005, 06:56:21 AM »

As for pump shotguns, Browning makes different BPS frames in 10ga, 12ga and 20ga. Interpolating from their catalog weight data for the 28ga and 410, I suspect that the 28s and 410s are built on the 20ga frame.

Many double guns of better quality will have true 12, 20 and 28 gauge frames. Finding a true 16 gauge from is harder since the market is much smaller. I've a 16ga on a VERY slim reciever that is wonderful for chasing grouse through the fields. Most knowledgeable people mistake it for a 20 at first glance. With an ounce of #6s at 1165 fps it's comfortable to shoot and carries like wand.

The Browning BPS 20 was my light gun before the 16. I'm beginning to wonder what a light double in 20 ga might be like.

dwl

RBishop · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2005, 10:25:45 AM »

I have a Winchester Model 1912 with nickel steel barrel. Made around 1920. Don't know if the frame is different from the 12 of that era but it sure is a feather and a pleasure to carry in the field.