nialmac,
The origins of the 2 inch cartridge dates back to 1897 at which time London gun maker Charles Lancaster introduced a 2 inch and a 2 1/4 inch 12G cartridge that he named the "Pigmy," These cartridges were loaded with 1 ozs; or 1 1/8 ozs of shot; more importantly with smokeless rather than black powder which allowed the case length reduction. The intent was to use these cartridges in guns chambered 2 1/2-2 3/4 or 3 inches.The result was less than satisfactory with many reports of balled shot and much adverse press.[See Experts on Guns and shooting pages 265-278.] The result was that the cartridges rapidly faded from the market.
30 years later the trend was to lighter weight gun and the 2 inch cartridge was reintroduced this time for use in 2 inch chambered guns. The prime manufacture of these 2 inch guns for the trade was the Birmingham firm of Skimmin and Wood, whose name is currently owned by,F.J.Wiseman Cannock ,Staffordshire.
In my opinion the 2 inch gun was made for general use not for any specific customer group I am sure it was welcomed by the disabled,aged and young sportsmen/women.
