I have seen early Parker Bros. 10-gauges rebarreled to the 3 1/2 inch Magnum-10.
In 1891 Parker Bros. 10-gauges were all barreled in Twist or Damascus barrels. Our ammunition companies had for some time offered 10-gauge NPEs in lengths from 2 5/8 inch to 3 1/4 inch. 1891 was the year Union Metallic Cartridge Co. began offering factory loaded shotgun shells. Prior to that shooters loaded their own or had them loaded by their local hardware or sporting goods store. The 10-gauge shells UMC offered in 1891 were loaded with anywhere from 3 3/4 to 5 drams of black powder and 1 to 1 1/4 ounce of shot. Loading with American Wood smokeless powder was $12.50 per thousand extra and with imported Schultze powder $20 per thousand extra.
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