The 12 gauge shotgun is certainly the most popular gauge selection out on the market and afield. Here is why this utilitarian gauge is so popular today. The 12 gauge shotshell has quite a long timeline. Case in point, John Moses Browning created the Winchester Model 1897 pump action shotgun. This shotgun firing an actual self contained 12 gauge shotshell in either solid brass or cardboard hulls set the world on fire for popularity. The above image is a sampling of what was available way back in history. Pump action shotguns even today are top sellers for the hunting...