new to the forums

[John Taddeo]

Anyone,
I am a long time grouse hunter looking into a Parker VH 16 (ser.#193xxx ) that seems to be circa 1921. The gun is choked IC\M . Will I be satisfied with performance with 2 1\2 loads (chambered at 2 9\16 ) as far as availability and selection. I also wondered how these guns perform with modern powders and the higher pressures . Any insights will be helpfull.

Thank you,

[Bruce Day]

Related to original PGCA member Ed Taddeo from Fruita, Colorado?

I have a 1921 PHE 16ga and have regularly shot for thousands of rounds all 16ga loads , Win, Rem, Fed, etc from 7/8oz to 1 1/8 oz. Page 515 of The Parker Story contains a table listing Parker used service load pressures, average and maximum, plus proof pressures. All 1 oz /1200 fps factory loads that I know of will be within the service load approved pressures.

My old 16 has about 80,000 rounds through it and no sign of being off face, stock issues, etc.

[Dean Romig]

I think that VH will be your new 'go to' grouse gun. Those are the right chokes for grouse and Bruce has given you good advice on loads.

[John Taddeo]

Thanks guys,
I did not know how the 2 1\2 16 would pattern . I have always grouse hunted with various 20 loads in an old browning (depending on time of the season ) and now reserve myself not to shoot a bird that is not pointed. Change is good and if I can get the vh I think I will step back a few years in time and give it hell in the grouse coverts this fall.

Thanks again