Ammo question
 

Purchased Parker 20 gauge at an estate sale. Ser # indicates it was made in 1902. Ok to use modern ammo?

They were still useing short chambers in 1902. You should still have the chambers measured by a qualified gun smith. The reason most of us use light loads is because of the age of the wood. At 100 years plus you could easely break a stock.

Thanks, 2 3/4 in shells fit, but I will take it to gunsmith before firing. Executor of the estate did not know the man had the gun, thus no info.

Post the serial number and somebody here will tell you the specs on it as it left the factory.

112461

Word of warning. Just because you can drop a 2 3/4" shell in the gun dos't mean it has a 2 3/4" chamber. A 2 3/4" shell will go in a gun chambered for 2 1/2".

112461 VH no extras,capped pistol grip 20 ga. 28" barrels left factory in 1902:)

Thank you all for the help!

Your gun has fluid steel barrels and should be perfectly happy with light target loads if in original condiion. Have the wall thickness of the barrels measured if the gun appears to be fooled with. Tell us where you are and we'll tell you whom to take it to.

Bellingham Wa