need some advice/opinions

[allen newell]

I have a very nice Parker GH 12 ga Damascus that Brad B. has lovingly restored for me. The 32 inch barrels measure out at .044 for each full choked barrel. It's chambered for 2 1/2 inch shells.

My problem is that I'd like to shoot trap with it. I only load 7/8 and 1 oz loads for skeet with the second barrel that I have for this (26 inch Damascus barrels) that is chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells.

I have no desire to get into reloading 2 1/2 inch shells.

With the 32 inch barrels measuring a healthy .044 per barrel, and even though the chambers are 2 1/2 inch, would shooting the light loads above in 2 3/4 inch pose a problem or would it just be better to have the chambers opened up?

What say you folks who know more about Damascus barrels than I? I really don't want to pay the higher cost for RST 2 1/2 inch loads.

[Dean Romig]

What is the frame size?
What is the actual length of the chambers where the forcing cones begin?

*****There were 2 1/2", 2 9/16" 2 5/8" chambers and Parker Bros. chambered their guns 1/8" shorter than the shells they recommended shooting*****






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[allen newell]

Dean, the frame size is #1 and my gauge measures the chambers at 2 1/2. but I will re check.

re-checked and I'd say 2 9/16

[Bill Murphy]

I would shoot light 2 3/4" shells in that gun.

[John E. Williams]

I wouldn't trust my opinion any farther than I would throw it, but I have a 30" Trojan (#2 frame) with 2.5" chambers choked F/M and it seems to love AA Trap loads. It's been my limited experience that if you're really pushing the pressure, it will be obvious in the recoil. My 2.5" 16 gauge Trojan (#1 frame) will hurt you shooting 2.75 field loads. It'll knock the forend right off'n the gun!

[wayne goerres]

See if you can find some of the Winchester AA Lights. Very low recoil. I found mine at Wallmart.