Food for thought

[Cold Spring]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Correct me if I'm wrong Frank but the way I read that ad is that the Marlin is chambered for 2 3/4 so 2 5/8 can also be shot in it. Neat ad. Thanks.

Daryl, that's the way I read it too. My questions have to do with American factory 2-5/8" paper shells. If factory practice was to cut 2-5/8" chambers for 2-3/4" shells, then why would the factories be marketing 2-5/8" paper shells? For a 2-1/2" chamber? Were any American 12-gauge guns made with 2-1/2" chambers?

[Drew Hause]

No mention of the load length in the 1905 Marlin Model 19 ad



Back again 1913 Model 28 Marlin Repeating Shotgun



Stevens No. 200 20g "for any length of shell" in 1913
http://www.la84foundation.org/Sports.../SL6212020.PDF

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Drew and Frank (and Dave who will probably chime in)- you guys absolutely kill me with these old ads. Thank you for the good views and information.

[Double Lab]

Good question Frank. Hopefully our info Guru Dave N. will have some input on this shell length issue.

[Drew Hause]

1897 Sears listing for hulls lists none in 2 1/2" (tough to read the fine print though)
http://books.google.com/books?id=CSV...C&pg=PA546&lpg

Same with 1895 Montgomery Ward except 2 1/2" brass shells
http://books.google.com/books?id=zWe...AC&pg=PA474&vq