Pre 1900 bore size

[Virginia Hessler]

I just read on the previous thread, a comment on pre 1900 Parker's over bored.
I did not want to ask a question on someone else's thread.

I have two pre 1900 Parker's with Damascus barrels and they both measure .750 inside.
Is this normal ? I made the assumption that they were both reamed or "cleaned up "
Do they start off at .729 ?
Thanks, Tom

[Dean Romig]

What are the serial numbers of these two guns? That is the first step in determining original bore size.

[Virginia Hessler]

Thanks Dean

62698
15700

[Chuck Bishop]

Tom, this chart will help you out.

[Bill Murphy]

Your two 12 gauge guns could easily have .750 original bores. Early tens often have bores of .790 or .800. Austin Hogan and I determined through much empirical research that some later guns, especially single trap guns, have original bores as large as .740.

[Virginia Hessler]

Ok thanks guys
I feel better about them, I just assumed they were reamed and honed to clean them up before they were sold.
I have an awful lot to learn on these things.
Thanks, Tom