A search of the A.H. Fox production cards has shown nine graded 16-gauge guns ordered chambered for 3-inch shells and one lone gun ordered chambered for 2 7/8-inch shells.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]

Back in the day, these longer shells didn't carry a heavier payload than one could get in a 2 3/4-inch shell, but more/better wadding, which many gun cranks considered an advantage.