He was the editor of Western Field starting in July 1910, and beginning in September 1910 he ran a series of articles on the smallbore shotgun. He received several guns from Parker Brothers in exchange for ads. April 4, 1911 he ordered a 32-inch 28-gauge pistol grip DHE engraved “Wildfowl Mfg Expressly for E.L. Hedderly.” April 26, 1912 he ordered a 20-gauge 32-inch A1-Special, and May 14, 1912 a 32-inch 16-gauge A1-Special.
R. F. Cross, owner of Cross Hardware in Visalia, CA. and president of the Widgeon Duck Club ordered 8 20g 3” chamber Parkers in 1911; all were DHE with straight grips, except one, a BHE pistol grip gun ordered by L. S. Chittenden.
20g Ithaca and Smith guns with 3" chambers have been documented to have been ordered by California duck clubs. I don't think Dr Jim has done a survey thereof, but it would sure make a good article! hint
Buck Hamlin posted this 2 7/8" chamber mark quite some time ago, but I failed to record the gauge
As you know, it was felt by some that the chamber length should be slightly shorter than the legth of the roll crimped hull (measured after firing) to effectively seal the expanding gases