Thanks to each of you for the history lessons. I am just now getting seriously into the English double shotgun world and appreciate your help. For info I just bought a beautiful Thomas Turner 12 Ga with 2 5/8" chambers. I am torn as to whether to have the chambers lengthened to allow 2 3/4" light loads or leave the gun as is and use the traditional 2 1/2" shells. I just got a case of #7 Pure Gold in 2 1/2" and intend to try this gun out on sporting clays tomorrow.