Yes it was ordered with 2 3/4” chambers. I had not given any thought to the chamber length before.
I did some quick research on E H Hotchkiss. I always wondered why this gun was in such high condition. It appears Eli died only 6 months after the gun was shipped.

As was usually done with Parker guns, the gun was chambered 2 3/4", probably for 2 7/8" shells. I didn't know that 2 7/8" shells were made that early, but maybe they were. They became the standard shell for 28 gauge until after WW2.

BHE 20 Ga-- 5 lbs 15.2 oz.
VHE 28 Ga-- 6 lbs 9.6 oz.

Both are configured the same:
30", Straight Grip, SFE, DT, O frame

Yours are more inline of what I was expecting. The BHE 20 must feel wand-like.

Randy, does your 28 have a beavertail, a set of Briley tubes, and a vent rib? Maybe you have Colonel Askins' 28 gauge.

No it does not Bill.