Appears to be the 20 gauge in the photos, Karl. I've never owned a Merkel, but, have friends that do, and the dang things sure remain tight and hard to open for a long time. Really well built and fitted, from what I can see.

Good to see the photos, by the way. Thanks.

I've owned many Darne 12s that were stamped 18.2 by the proof house in St. Etienne, which, actually makes them 13 gauge guns. My 28 comes in at 14.0, pretty close to .550", right on 28 gauge.

Why many of the 20s were .015 over, right from the factory, is something I really don't have a good explaination for. I don't have many opportunities bird hunting to make use of a full choke gun.


Best,
Ted