Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 11:21 pm
American 2 5/8 inch 12-gauge shells were offered at least up to WW-II. Some early repeaters, the Winchester Model 1893 for instance, were made to for 2 5/8 inch shells, and wouldn't function with longer shells. A few years back I purchased a 1920-vintage (when the 2 1/2 inch 20-gauge shell was still standard) AE-Grade Fox 20-gauge and the letter states "chamber for 2 3/4 inch shells" and the chambers are in fact 2 5/8 inches deep. Also, the Remington era specification sheets for Parker shotguns clearly spell out the chambers being 1/8 inch shorter then the intended shell.
The American ammo company catalogues I have from prior to WW-I, offer paper cased 12-gauge shells in lengths 2 5/8 inches, 2 3/4 inches, 2 7/8 inches, 3-inches and 3 1/4 inches.
The American ammo company catalogues I have from prior to WW-I, offer paper cased 12-gauge shells in lengths 2 5/8 inches, 2 3/4 inches, 2 7/8 inches, 3-inches and 3 1/4 inches.