Needless to say not a double, but Winchester made the shotgun version of their 1885 Hi-wall Single Shot in 20 ga 3" from the beginning. The action wasn't wide enough for any larger guage and so the 3" chambering may have been to allow users to shoot 12 guage loads and get the "larger guage" effect. Barrels were normally 26" full choke but could be ordered modified or cylinder; some guns were takedown and extra barrels could be ordered (presumably rifle barrels as well, altho I've never seen one).
The 3" 20 was well known and fairly widespread before the current craze (that began in the late 1950s?). "Heavy 20s" make some sense as specialized guns for special uses. I don't see the point of 3" chambers in ALL 20s, including 5 3/4# birdguns tho. But here we are.
Last edited by Mike A.; 08/24/11 02:14 PM.
