Near as I can determine, the adjective "magnum" (derived from Latin "magnus" meaning great) was first used by Holland & Holland when they introduced the .375 and .300 in 1912. Magnum at that time also described a champagne bottle. Perhaps the similar tapered shape of the .375 cartridge and wine bottle as well as the supposed top class characteristics of both had something to do with the choice of name. At first the term was borrowed by other rifle cartridges that featured H&H belted case. From there it was borrowed by shotgun manufacturers to denote longer 3" shells. It is interesting that the 2.75" twelve gauge apparently evolved from 2.5" but nothing new was added to the name. I don't believe there were any 2.75 magnum shells until after the 3" was developed. Anyway, H&H set the standard for "great" killing power with the .375 and the moniker has been borrowed by everyone since. Something of a carryover from the earlier rimmed big game double rifle bruiser cartridges all denoted as "express". A different descriptor was needed to separate the new rimless magazine rifle cartridges designed to do the same work.
Actually, the 375 and 275 were 1912 models, we had to wait another 13 years for the 300.
Roy Weatherby liked the 375 H & H and I for one am glad he did. Weatherby has been a wonderful American Rifle story.
however ( Brent and Ben ) lets not forget the 50-110 and 50-100 in 1887 Were they the first magnum without the handle
If you're looking for a budget 16, it's worth looking at if it fits, but I'd not expect it to be an heirloom gun.
@Europe is steering you right to CSMC, but don't overlook Griffin & Howe as well, you know, if Uncle Joe comes through.
I agree with Ben on both points.. The CZ is worth looking at and a visit to Griffin and Howe would work. G & H will make a you a custom stock to fit you, on whatever shotgun you bring in or even for one you buy in their shop. It would still be worth your time to move up the coast a few miles and visit Connecticut Shotgun, as they will make whatever you want from ground zero. If you have never visited the East coast take a train or rent a car. A lot to see between N.J. and Conn ( and surrounding areas/states )
There are female shotguns out there ( Berreta ,Syren, Franchi, ) but all in 12 and/or 20 Fausti makes shotguns for females in 12. 20, 28 and 410, but no 16 gauge
The Browning will work for you, it is a nice shotgun, made for a female, 16 gauge, but as mentioned needs some work on it after you receive it, but not a big deal, mainly a little trigger work.
You will have fewer ammo options available to you, but if a 16 gauge is what you want, get one. Like husbands, one woman nightmare is another womans dream. Dont "settle" just because its different and harder to find what you want.
And last but not least, dont talk to me about paying off your school loan ( and I would be, since I still pay taxes ), get a job ! you borrowed it, you pay it.
---------------
Beginerhunter: Best picture I have seen on this forum
and for the record, I am
