I think Doug's question could be restated as, "why does someone who grew up using the term gauge - because that is by far the most widely understood term for shotgun size in his native land - decide to change over to the much less common term bore?"

I suggest that it's for the same reason adolescents affect code words to help distinguish 'us' from 'them,' 'cool' from 'uncool,' 'in' from 'out.' When you say "12 bore," you're signalling that you speak 'side-by-side.' It separates you from the hoi polloi, users of common semi-autos and pumps, and connects you with a more exclusive group.

Affecting foreign words is a way of convincing yourself (if not others) of your sophistication.


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