I rarely hunt with a 12 ga. The last time I used one of my 12 ga guns was when I went to Last Dollar's place in 2011. Although I did shoot a few roosters with a borrowed 870 12 ga this October in SD as it was all that was available.
Ithaca Classic Doubles focused on small gauges. The RBL was introduced in the 20 ga. The Parker was rreintroduced in 28 ga. Sales of small gauges in fine doubles must be driving it. I'd guess the overwhelming majority of sxs doubles are sold to people with white hair.
I think it's just a trend of older hunters to want slender, petite, softer spoken, and lately, longer appendages rather than the fullfigured ones of our youth. At least for me and a number of my friends anyway. I also like small gauge guns more.
