Parker 20 ga. last gun

[billy sutton]

I am looking for a user Parker 20 for Woodcockin' in Louisana.. I have several 20 SxS in my closet, but I wanted to buy one more gun berfore I get too old to use it... My gift, to myself, for making 61 years old and chasin' woodcoock for the last 40 here in Central Loisiana.I want a Parker .. Now for the fork in the road question ?

I have found a Parker VH 20 ga. 26" barrels serial # 203941 1923 date and the barrels 26 " from the factory. Can you tell from the serial # if this is this a 2 3/4 " or 2 1/2 chamber?
This would make a perfect WC gun down here, the short barrel a plus.. Any opinions accepted.........

Do It The Way They Did It Yesterday.....Pointers,Parkers and Any Bird Anywhere ...............

[Researcher]

No way to tell unless it is mentioned in the record books, for a letter from our research chairman, that the gun was ordered chambered for longer shells.

FWIW I have a much later 0-frame, VH-Grade, 20-gauge, 26-inch barrel, in the 235xxx range that was shipped September 1930, and it still has the 2 3/8 inch chambers intended for the 2 1/2 inch 20-gauge shells.

[OH Osthaus]

not from the serial number, it was most likely made with short chambers. Only having them measured would answer what they are now

[billy sutton]

Thanks for the quick reply and what a great site... Any down sides of the 2.5'" shells or would it be price effective to open it up to modern 2.75"

[OH Osthaus]

no down side with 2 1/2 shells at all -but there may be downsides with extending chambers depending on wall thickness


give RST a call

http://www.rstshells.com/

[Fishtail]

Anything is possible but it's unlikely lengthening the chambers that much will be an issue.

[Kensal Rise]

The gun you specify should have fluid steel barrels. In that case, low pressure, low velocity 2 3/4 " shells should be fine. I've shot such for years in my short chamber Parker 20s. This short chamber/long cartridge topic has been discussed here before ad nauseum.

[billy sutton]

Thanks for the advice and info from this great site...Seems there will be a Parker under the Christmas tree....hint hint momma. "Pointers and Parkers nuff' said"

[Jeff Christie]

I agree. I have shot W-W AA 20 ga shells for years at grouse and woodcocks in
a short chambered VH. I prefer short shells but 2.75 work fine.

[C.O.B.]

I use the 2 1/2 inch shell in everything from 12 to 410 for both upland birds and clays. You will not have an issue using the shorter shell. Contact RST and have them send you a case. Try em you'll like em.