1923 Parker double

[James Gentry]

Hey guys I just came into a Parker double barrel and I looked the SN up and it dates to 1923. It’s a VH Vulcan barrel 0 frame and as best I can tell it’s a 20g. The only outside markings are the parker bros Meridan CT Vulcan steel on the rib. And the SN behind the trigger guard but there is no chamber markings at all. On the barrel lug it says 20 and just underneath it has a big O. I’m assuming it’s an O frame 20g. If I’m wrong any help would be greatly appreciated! And also what loads should I shoot thru it. Everything is super tight and to me it seems it’s in fine working order. I’m not sure if I can upload pics but I have them if you need to see all the markings. Thanks! James

[78CJ]

If you post the SN someone can look it up for you as long as its in the book.

Ryan

[B. Dudley]

You would want to measure the chamber length and make sure that the appropriate shell length is used. Other than that, the gun should be able to digest any load you want to use. Providing the barrels are in sound shape.

[James Gentry]

The SN is 204419

[Researcher]

Up to the early 1920s, the "Standard" 20-gauge shell was 2 1/2-inch with 3/4- or 7/8-ounce of shot. The heaviest 2 1/2-inch 20-gauge load our North American ammunition companies offered was 2 1/4-drams of bulk smokeless powder or 18-grains of dense smokeless powder such as Infallible or Ballistite pushing 7/8-ounce of shot. In longer cases (2 3/4-, 2 7/8- & 3-inch) they offered a slightly hotter load of 2 1/2-drams of 20-grains pushing that 7/8-ounce. In 1922, Western Cartridge Co. introduced progressive burning smokeless powder, high velocity loads to American shotgunnery with their Super-X loads. Their 20-gauge Super-X load with 1-ounce of shot was put up in their 2 3/4-inch FIELD shell. Remington & Peters followed suit with their 20-gauge progressive burning smokeless powder, high velocity 1-ounce load put up in a 2 3/4-inch case. Remington's Model 17 20-gauge pump introduced in late 1920 was made for 2 3/4-inch shells. Winchester, with lots of customers with their Model 12 20-gauge pumps made for 2 1/2-inch shells, offered their 1-ounce high velocity load in both a 2 1/2-inch and 2 3/4-inch shells.

Many Parker Bros. 20-gauge guns up into the 1930s were chambered 2 3/8-inch intended for 2 1/2-inch shells.

[James Gentry]

So I should probably shoot a 2 1/2” 7/8 load? Or do you think 1oz will be fine as well?

[Bill Murphy]

There aren't many 1 ounce 2 1/2" shells out there. If you are willing to shoot 2 3/4" shells, it's better to stick to 7/8 ounce light loads. Your gun has probably digested hundreds of 2 3/4" 20 gauge loads in its lifetime.

[78CJ]

Originally Posted by James Gentry

The SN is 204419

204419 is a VH 20 Gauge with Capped Pistol Grip and 28" Barrels

[James Gentry]

Originally Posted by Ryan Brege

204419 is a VH 20 Gauge with Capped Pistol Grip and 28" Barrels

Awesome thanks man!

[James Gentry]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

There aren't many 1 ounce 2 1/2" shells out there. If you are willing to shoot 2 3/4" shells, it's better to stick to 7/8 ounce light loads. Your gun has probably digested hundreds of 2 3/4" 20 gauge loads in its lifetime.

I would love to take it turkey huntin next spring and would be better to shoot a 2 3/4 I’d shoot whatever as long as the gun would handle it. I had never heard of Parker shotguns before yesterday so information is like drinking from a fire hydrant! I greatly appreciate y’all’s help thanks!!