From my experience and reading on the situation at the turn of the past century durring the hay day of the American double gun 8, 10 and 12 gauge guns were considered "meat guns" favored mostly by market hunters and serious water fowl hunters, and pigeon (trap) shooters. The 16 gauge was considered a "Bird gun" favored by gentleman hunter/sportsmen, 20 gauge guns were light sporting gauge suitable for young boys, teen age girls and women. The .410 was considered suitable only for eliminating garden pests.
The 16 gauge lost popularity only after the firearms makers, Gun writers and to a certain extent ammunition manufacturers started hyping the need for "Magnum Power" and touting the virtues of the 20 gauge 3 inch magnum which we all know is false.
As far as premiums for British guns I would think due to scarcity they would be at least 40-50% higher than like 12 gauge guns while in the US the 16 gauge still commands a premium in high quality guns of 20-30%.
Last edited by TwiceBarrel; 09/21/12 04:38 PM.
