Parker Gun Collectors Association Forum > PGCA Forums > Parker Discussion Forum > 1904 VH Barrel Measurements
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Parker Gun Collectors Association Forum > PGCA Forums > Parker Discussion Forum > 1904 VH Barrel Measurements |
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Bobby Cash Member
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I recently purchased a 1904 VH 12 gauge, 30 inch Vulcan steel barrels, 2 3/4' chambers. I had a competent gunsmith with the proper tools measure my barrels today. Both chambers measured 2 5/8. I read in a previous post that Parker intentionally made their chambers short by 1/8 on an inch for a better seal. True or false and what are the ramifications of shooting 2 3/4 inch shells in my gun? Right barrel choked .038, bore diameter .732 and outside barrel diameter .810. Left barrel choked .039, bore diameter .733 and outside barrel diameter .810. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I'm thinking barrel wall thickness of .039 and .038 respectively. How do these thicknesses rate on the "safe to shoot modern ammo" scale? Lastly, What would be considered safe pressures for my gun? Is there any correlation between muzzle velocity and pressure? Where can I find information on factory loads and pressure? It doesn't seem to be published with all the other data when looking at factory ammo either on the box or in any advertisement regarding factory ammo. Thank you for any information. Bob Attached Image (viewed 292 times): Last edited on Sun May 31st, 2009 05:08 am by Bobby Cash |
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Don Kaas PGCA Member
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"with the proper tools" means the gunsmith has a barrel wall thickness gauge not just a bore gauge and a set of calipers. BWT gauge gives one the abilility to measure the minimum barrel wall thickness exactly anywhere where the surface of the tube is visible. Having said that, the dimensions you state appear to portend a very sound set of Parker barrels. I would not hesitate to shoot modern 2 3/4" non-magnum shell through such a gun but the best ammunition for it would be 2 1/2" RST or CIP (European) rated 2 1/2"shells which would be easier on the whole gun than Wallyworld promo loads. There is a general correllation between velocity and pressure given the same payload. Many ammunition manufacturers websites have pressure info. Generally <7500 psi is considered a good working pressure for old doubles. Check out RST they are a favorite shell with many Parker owners. Good Luck with it!  Last edited on Sun May 31st, 2009 02:56 pm by Don Kaas |
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Bill Murphy PGCA Member
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Parker 2 5/8" chambers were meant to be used with 2 3/4" or shorter shells. Nothing you can buy at the store in 2 3/4" is going to blow up your gun, but lighter is better for longevity. |
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Dave Fuller PGCA Member
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This VHE is about 1934, chambers are a hair shorter than 2-3/4, I've shot everything imaginable through it. Never a problem. Attached Image (viewed 229 times): |
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Bobby Cash Member
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Thank you for the information. Still having a hard time finding factory information regarding pressures. I went on the Hodgeson website and am considering reloading some of my own, however the information gives LUP not PSI. Best I could figure is LUP + 1000 = PSI Dave, as I look at your VHE, have you reblued the barrels while leaving the receiver as is? The barrels on my VH sorely need some attention however the receiver has alot of soul with about 30% case colors remaining. I was thinking of doing the barrels and leaving the receiver alone. What's the conventional wisdom on a partial refinish? Thanks, Bob |
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Chuck Bishop PGCA Member 
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Hodgdon does in fact publish some pressures in LUP however the vast majority are PSI. As far as I know, there is no way to convert LUP to PSI or vise versa. Last edited on Mon Jun 1st, 2009 12:51 am by Chuck Bishop |
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Destry Hoffard PGCA Member 
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This is a fluid steel gun, why the big worry? Go to Walmart, buy some shells, and go bust some clays. I've shot cases of 1 1/4 ounce 3 3/4 dram shells through 12 gauge Parkers with no visible effect. Well visible effect on what I was shooting them at, but no problems with the gun. Destry |
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