New member with new to me Parker

[MuckLand]

Hello All. I have inherited what I believe was my grandfather's Parker Bros in 16 gauge. Based on what I have found so far I believe it was built in 1928. I think the barrels have been cut down as they measure 26 7/16 inches and the checkering goes right to the end of the barrels. I am an avid upland bird hunter so I am hoping I can take this afield once I get it inspected. Let me know what you think and any advice is much appreciated.

[B. Dudley]

Trojan grade. Yes, the barrels were cut. Likely from 28”

[J. A. EARLY]

Maybe some choke left. Would make an excellent bird gun for close shooting. Probably why it was cut. Old timers never had chokes opened if there was a hacksaw around.

[John Davis]

No front bead sight? My kind of gun.

I bet she’s bagged a thousand birds.

[MuckLand]

Originally Posted by John Davis

No front bead sight? My kind of gun.

I bet she’s bagged a thousand birds.

Certainly looks like it has seen the grouse woods! I am hoping to take it back out this fall.

[Dean Romig]

It’s a Trojan - It’ll be a great shooter!

Yes, it looks like it’s seen the grouse woods… and wet conditions too, judging by the rust pitting on the breech balls.



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[MuckLand]

Originally Posted by John Davis

No front bead sight? My kind of gun.

I bet she’s bagged a thousand birds.

Getting a new bead put on her. Can't wait to get it out this fall

[Drew Hause]

Mike: please ask the gunsmith to measure the choke and chamber length. As said, there is likely still muzzle constriction despite the cut barrels.
The original chambers were likely slightly shorter than the 16g standard of that period of 2 9/16".

[MuckLand]

Originally Posted by Drew Hause

Mike: please ask the gunsmith to measure the choke and chamber length. As said, there is likely still muzzle constriction despite the cut barrels.
The original chambers were likely slightly shorter than the 16g standard of that period of 2 9/16".

He is going to let me know that. Sounds like the 1st barrel is cylinder and there is some choke in the other barrel. They measure 26.5 inches so I’m guessing they were 28” originally.

What were the standard chamber lengths for a 16g Parker in 1928? I did just order some low pressure 2.5” shells.

[Drew Hause]

From "The Parker Story", the Remington vintage specification sheets on pages 164 to 169 call for a chamber 1/8-inch shorter than the paper case roll crimped shell for which it is intended.
So 16g run about 2 7/16" to 2 9/16"
The standard chamber lengths for all gauges at some point in the 30s became 2 3/4"

There are lots of threads regarding using long for chamber length shells, and NO data regarding the rise in pressure for 20g and 16g, and recoil will be sharp if the case mouth enters the forcing cone - not good for 100 year old wood.
Some modern nominally 2 3/4" 16 shells do run shorter (after firing). The black Remington 1 oz. Game Loads did but it has been reported that the do no longer.