2 3/8" chambers?
 

I just got my "letter" back on the VH 20 I purchased back before Christmas.The gun is a perfect match for the letter except for the added pad but I figured that was an addition made over the years, no surprise. Many thanks to our research guys! What I found VERY interesting is that, according to Mr. Bishop and company, this gun left Parker with 2 3/8" chambers. I didn't know such a thing existed. I assumed they were 2 1/2" as I believed the gun was "correct" and original. I carefully measured bore ID and MWT but took no chamber gauge with me when buying. I have not yet measured chambers but will be doing so today. Is this common? I didn't know 2 3/8" chambers existed. This gun made in 1926.

My friend has 2 20ga VH Parkers that I measured at 2 3/8" ,they were made for 2 1/2 shells. They are cut short for a good gas seal for the shells at that time.

This one does indeed measure 2 3/8". I measured my other VH 20 made in 1924, it is also 2 3/8". I had assumed it was a 2 1/2" gun and never measured it either. Were they all 2 3/8" in 20 ga?

No, I have 2 20ga's at 2 5/8 for 2 3/4 shells and 2 20ga's at 2 7/8 for 3 inch. One has a letter stating that it was made with 2 7/8 chambers.

As a point of interest, our “research committee” consists of one man and one man only - Mr. Chuck Bishop. He’s the only one we can thank for the fine job done on our research letters.





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Dean, I'm crushed. I had visions of He and a staff of at least a couple of "elves" pouring over archival material, all outfitted in visors and sleeve bands, each with a classic green shaded lamp over cluttered desks piled high with dusty records! Kinda like finding out there is no Santa. But, as you said, he does a great job and is much appreciated. A good part of the pleasure in owning these fine old guns is the history attached.

The good Mr. Bishop is like an army of researchers.

Now you've made me blush! Thanks for the complements.