I am in the UK, where these guns were built and where 2 1/2" cartridges are still (if not the norm) widely available.
My view firstly is that NO - you are not 'wasting money'. They are lovely guns - and 2 1/2 is how they were made.
I would use the guns as much as you like - but personally I would use (and do use in my old guns) 2 1/2" suitably light cartridges.
Here in the UK (and many will disagree with this view) the guidelines from the proof houses (and as far as I know all UK gunsmiths) are NOT to use 2 3/4 cartridges in a 2 1/2" chamber. I follow this advice.
My view is continue to collect, enjoy and use your guns, but follow the gunmakers/proofhouse recommendations on cartridge length and load. I use 21 gramme 12 bore loads in 2 1/2 inch felt/fibre wad cases.
Last edited by JohnfromUK; 01/24/13 01:30 PM.
