I agree with the explanation offered by Rocketman above. I have such a gun that would seem to confirm that explanation. It is a very fine Merkel 303 clone made by Ugartechea, and is said to be one of only six such guns made by them in 20 gauge, according to William Larkin Moore, from whom I got the gun. I also have it's twin in 12 gauge, of which they are said by Dan Moore to have made some 600. The 20 gauge gun was said to have been the gun of a Spanish movie star who was addicted to pigeon shooting, and was a person of smallish stature who simply did not enjoy shooting the 12 gauge guns. I had the stock lengthened with a 1 1/8" thick pad, and it now fits me nicely. It is a wonderful gun. There may indeed be other reasons for shooting pigeons with a 20, but in this case, the explanation offered fits the circumstance.
