Except that you have to keep in mind that each set of barrels was profiled by an individual. It's not important how much the barrels are separated at 4", 14" or 20" from the muzzle. Heavy striking, to make the barrels as light as possible, can "separate them from each other" to a greater degree, or for a longer portion of their length. But, to address your specific scenario ......... yes, the barrels could have been cut and still touch. It's not impossible, but with the way most gunmakers I am familiar with joined them, it is unlikely. Most American guns that I have seen with cut barrels have muzzles that do not touch.
To further complicate the deal, Not all doubles with original length barrels have muzzles that touch. I have several that do not.
SRH
