Larry has just nailed it: Becasse/woodcock, close cover, quick shots, close range, very light guns, short barrels (65cm app.), need for dispersing the shot. They call them "fusil bécassier".

I had a VS 20SLE with two sets of barrels one of which was 65cm with the right one "rayé". Did not work for slugs as one would have expected.


JC(AL)

"...it is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance." Charles Darwin