Frank,
With due respect to Bob Elliott, whose two books are fantastic, and I value my signed copies...
Just as much was learned between 1986 and 2001 (the years of their publication), much has been learned since 2001. The internet's growth has shown us many more guns than Bob ever saw before publishing his books. And forums like this one have allowed us to share to a degree he didnt have.
Bob did a remarkable job estimating production figures and characteristics given the information he had at the time...but more is known now. And collectors are working from far greater lists of guns.
I have owned a 12ga with 26" barrels, and have seen more than a few others. They are...uncommon.
In the history of the world, there is only one single book ever written which is "definitive." Everything else is in a perpetual state of update, and reevaluation.
- NDG
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