FRANCHI INSTINCT SLX

Lauded by some, mocked by others, unused by most, the 16-gauge shotgun has clung to life despite numerous obstacles over the years. It was given the cold shoulder in competitive skeet shooting in the 1920s, not receiving its own category when rules were devised. Throughout the 20th century, the 12 and 20 gauges stole more and more of its share of the shotgun market due to technological advances, like the debut of 3- and 3 1/2-inch shells. And when the switch from lead to non-toxic shot for waterfowl occurred in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the 16 gauge, with its smaller 2 3/4-inch