Dan, it is entirely possible that the barrels are uncut. I own a DH 12 with 25" barrels and a DHE 16 with 24" barrels. Both guns letter at those lengths. Last month I bought an estate attic find leg of mutton case that included 12 ga VH 24" barrels and forend which had been part of a 2 barrel set. I don't know if these barrels letter as 24"or not but they look correct. All of these guns were "local" and sold at auction. Plus J Julia Auction sold a consecutive pair of GHE's this fall both with 24" barrels.
The point is short barrels and odd length barrels exist as they came from the factory and in my experience turn up more often than might be expected.
Still many many guns have shortened barrels for any number of reasons.
I encourage you to join the PGCA and order a letter for this gun. It certainly warrants a letter in this configuration.
Best regards,
Erick
|