20 ga. Barrel lengths

[Marc Wilczynski]

New member, just joined, I’ve performed a search but no answer found. Was recently gifted a dbl gun manf. date of 1926, Trojan. Barrels are only 22” long. Was this a factory option? Looking at muzzle ends looks like if not done from factory then someone did a pretty good job in modification. Currently have gun at gunsmith for light restoration/cleaning or I would provide photo. So, was this short of barrels even possible as stock?

Thanks in advance

[Randy Roberts]

Hello Marc:

Anything is possible I suppose in the world of Parker but this would seem unlikely. If we had the serial number we could look in the serialization book for possible clues. With that # we could also see if factory research records were available on your gun which would be the tell all most likely. Do you have the serial # ? Also what type of barrel steel does the rib legend indicate ?

[Joe from MO]

Sounds like someone needed a coach gun...

Pics of end of barrel by the bead will help.....

I thought Trojans came in 30", 28" and a few 26" guns only.... But, I am not expert and like was stated, anything is possible.

[Marc Wilczynski]

Barrel listed as Trojan. I think the sn is 218860. I was under the impression or did I misunderstand, that based on production date of 1926 that no records would be available. Once I get the gun back from the gunsmith I’ll post photo. I researched the stamping from info here and I had a problem decoding. But, as stated, once the gun is back in my hands, I’ll have photos. Looking forward to all the help from this great site.

[Joe from MO]

218860 is a 12ga V grade with 30" barrels.....

Does it have capped pistol grip stock?

[Joe from MO]

If the barrels are stamped Trojan steel, maybe not original barrels to the gun....

[Marc Wilczynski]

It’s a 20 ga, provided an from memory so obviously incorrect. As stated, when I pick this up later this week I’ll post photos and revisit. Thanks for all the response.

[Bruce Day]

Trojan 20 barrels were 26” standard length. Special order barrel lengths were 24-32. TPS contains a list of known 24” guns.

22” barrels are most likely chopped. You can tell by the rib matting termination.

[Bill Murphy]

As is usually the case, the poster did not post the correct serial number, causing a bit of confusion among those willing to help. Thanks for offering to post pictures. This may be an interesting gun.

[Marc Wilczynski]

OK, got the gun back this morning. Correct SN is 218869. Also included is pics of muzzle end and pic of all other markings. Top of barrel is marked Trojan steel and all components denote correct SN. Really curious as to what records show regarding barrels. My hunch is is has been modified.