Gun Guys Question

I have my grandfathers double barrel Ithaca 16 gauge . Made in Argentina with Damascus barrels . Gunsmith said do not shoot , dangerous . Wall hanger . Not sure if this helps ?

A gun is worth what you’re willing to pay.

It’s not in high demand, 16 gauges aren’t mass produced any longer and haven’t been for decades. Ask him why he wants for it and go from there.

Guns International-Parker Trojan 16

It looks like they start at $1,300 in good condition. Parker Trojans are collectible. It may have 2 5/8” or 2 9/16” chambers.

If it has the shorter chambers, you can buy 2.5” rounds for it from RST if you don’t want to have the chambers lengthened to 2.75”

I’d for sure have a gunsmith check it out before shooting.

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1/4-1/3 retail for a mint gun usually gets it.

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show us where you are shopping and what brand/models you are talking about.

You must be looking at junk

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16 ga guns aren’t that desirable no matter how high the value the blue books put on it, unless they are in mint condition with a fitted case and lots of engraving

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This simply isn’t true. In old side-by-sides, the 16 is more desirable than the 12. 20’s are generally most desirable. .410 and 28’s probably fall in the same range as 16. As with any classic gun, the more fancy and frills, the higher the value.

In non-double guns, have you ever heard of the classic Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen? There’s a reason Browning still produces 16 gauge semi autos, O/U’s, and pumps. There is demand.

There’s also a whole group of people with an entire website dedicated to the 16 gauge.

16 Gauge Society

Full disclosure: I own several 16 gauges. In case you couldn’t tell.

12 gauges are for people who can't shoot

If you know of a good local gunsmith, have him check the condition and give you an idea of a fair value on it.

That way you have an impartial professional opinion, and no chance of hard feelings on either side with a family friend.

You need to check things to know some of the condition. Take the barrels off hang the gun barrels on your finger and tap the barrels lightly. They should ring like a bell. If they don't that means there is a good chance that a rib is loose. Proper repair requires a good bit of work including rebluing of the barrels. Also check the barrel length and make sure they were not cut and look at the top lever, the farther it lays to the left the more the gun was used.

Trojan was the lowest grade of the Parkers but still a premium gun, similar quality to a Fox Sterlingworth. The Subgauge guns command a premium over 12 gauge, Depending on condition I would expect this gun to sell for $850-$1400

I have the Parker book, I can look up the serial number and see how it left the factory. If they decide to sell, I have interest also.

American doubles are always collectable. The smaller the gauge the more value one has particularly open choked, 26" barreled guns. 20's are most collectable here but 16's are usually more valuable than 12's. Here's a pic of my sweet sixteen my father bought new when he came home from WW2.