Shell Recommendation

Tyler Hunter · 08-10-2021, 08:37 PM

Hello all,

I am brand new to the forum and have been trying to take in as much as I can. I have always wanted a Parker and just took the plunge on a 1926 VH 12ga built on a 1 1/2 frame. I am trying to figure out what loads I should use while hunting my Parker.

I am an upland hunter who mostly hunts Grouse / Woodcock in the UP along with Pheasant throughout the midwest. Ill hunt waterfowl maybe once a year.

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Victor Wasylyna · 08-10-2021, 10:17 PM

My suggestion is that you stick with 1oz (or less) payloads moving at ~1200 fps (or less). Protect your stock.

-Victor

Jeff Christie · 08-10-2021, 10:42 PM

Try RST spreaders in at least one barrel if the gun is tightly choked. Big help in the aspens. In the dense cover of typical grouse/woodcock coverts you want the most open pattern you can have. I wouldn’t sweat worrying about the stock. Every dent or scar will remind you of a great time in the woods. Best of luck.

Jeff Christie · 08-10-2021, 10:47 PM

I forget to add— join the PGCA. You will glean a world of knowledge on this website.

Bill Jolliff · 08-10-2021, 11:18 PM

Tyler,

Shooting steel shot for waterfowl, or anything else, out of your Parker is not recommended.

Tyler Hunter · 08-10-2021, 11:59 PM

Thank you all for the responses so far. What about Bismuth? Is using it a bad idea?

10 bore · 08-11-2021, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Hunter

Thank you all for the responses so far. What about Bismuth? Is using it a bad idea?

bismuth is good, keep the FPS down to 1250 if you can.
scott

Dean Romig · 08-11-2021, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Hunter

I am an upland hunter who mostly hunts Grouse / Woodcock in the UP along with Pheasant throughout the midwest. Ill hunt waterfowl maybe once a year.

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

You need more Parkers.

.

Tyler Hunter · 08-11-2021, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

You need more Parkers.

.

Im working on it! I should keep loads to 2 1/2 or 2 inch right?

mobirdhunter · 08-11-2021, 11:01 AM

If you cannot get your chambers measured, 2 1/2" would work. No need for the added expense of 2 inch shells. I'm not sure when Parker started boring 2 3/4" chambers, but your gun would be close to that timeframe. Generally, they had 2 5/8" around the time of your gun, but to be sure, you should get them measured. Galazan sells an inexpensive drop-in gauge, and since you are bound to add to your collection (

), you'll eventually need one.

As already recommended, lighter loads with moderate speeds should be okay, assuming your gun is sound. Many older guns have had things done to them over time, as I'm sure you know, so getting a good, qualified appraisal is important.

Good shooting with your new Parker. Post some photos of your gun and some of the game you shoot and places you hunt.