I don't think Buzz is trying to discredit 12 bores but is questioning the premium associated with subgauge vintage guns. One reason is supply - back in the day (at least in the UK), men shot 12 bores and boys and woman shot subgauges, so as a result, there are a lot fewer subgauge guns made. Today, that translates into higher prices for Americans who want vintage Brit guns but don't want to tote 12 gauges around after quail and grouse.

Pick up a 12 ga. Sterlingworth and then pick up a 16 or 20 gauge - the former weighs nearly a pound more and feels like a lot more "in the hand".

Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.