In the late 19th and into the 20th century, the 10-gauge was in widespread use as an all-purpose shotgun for hunting ducks, upland birds, and small game, much as the 12-gauge is today. It had a 2 ...

Although the 10 gauge is the biggest legal gauge allowed for hunting in the U.S., 10-gauge guns are heavy and awkward to carry. That leaves the 12 gauge as the biggest practical gauge, and, in truth, ...