3 inch chambered 12 gauge

[Dean Romig]

George's 3-inch 241231



.

[Mike Bartlett]

For those interested in 3 in chambered 12 ga. Parkers for use in the field, i.e. Turkey and Waterfowl, they can be produced from low-grade, 2-frame 12 Parkers. Presently, we have Ten (10) 2-frame 12 VH & Trojans with 30 in barrels that have had the chambers lengthened to 3 in and forcing cones appropriately tapered. And, all passed proof-testing with 3 in magnum proof shells--18,000+ pressure loads. Vulcan steel and Trojan Steel barrels from serial numbers 91,6xx to 228,1xx passed the proofing; all 10, 2-frame with barrels with weights from 4-1 to 4-4; no ring-bulges. Master Gunsmith Ed Lander, NH, measured the wall thickness first prior to chamber lengthening and proofing. These guns were not designed to be 3-in, as the Delgrego's point out, since original 3-in barrels have more steel and little to no taper/swamping at the breech. However, the steel in V-Grade and Trojan grade guns is very hard and strong. Larry, Jr has found that it takes 4 hours to polish V and Trojan barrels and only 2 hours for Peerless prior to re-bluing; very hard steel. Obviously, the steel is different--which is a big contention in Parker discussions. However, the proof is in the proof-testing. Installing a 4 in Edwards mercury reducer and fitting with a good recoil pad brings the weight of these guns to 8 1/2 pounds and they still balance slightly back of the hinge pin. I have been using a steel barreled P-grade 3 in 12 as well as two sleeved/mono-blocked by LeFever Mag 10 Parkers for years turkey and waterfowl hunting. So, for those interested in an unavailable 3-in 12 Parker original, if you can procure proof-loads, one can be had. Note: Ed just used his last 3 in proof shells on an original 2-frame Trojan 12 that was sent to Remington in 1953 for reconditioning-barrels re-blued, re-cased and stock refinished; barrel flats marked RRR-3, No. 2281xx.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Michael Bartlett

For those interested in 3 in chambered 12 ga. Parkers for use in the field, i.e. Turkey and Waterfowl, they can be produced from low-grade, 2-frame 12 Parkers. Presently, we have Ten (10) 2-frame 12 VH & Trojans with 30 in barrels that have had the chambers lengthened to 3 in and forcing cones appropriately tapered. And, all passed proof-testing with 3 in magnum proof shells--18,000+ pressure loads. Vulcan steel and Trojan Steel barrels from serial numbers 91,6xx to 228,1xx passed the proofing; all 10, 2-frame with barrels with weights from 4-1 to 4-4; no ring-bulges. Master Gunsmith Ed Lander, NH, measured the wall thickness first prior to chamber lengthening and proofing. These guns were not designed to be 3-in, as the Delgrego's point out, since original 3-in barrels have more steel and little to no taper/swamping at the breech. However, the steel in V-Grade and Trojan grade guns is very hard and strong. Larry, Jr has found that it takes 4 hours to polish V and Trojan barrels and only 2 hours for Peerless prior to re-bluing; very hard steel. Obviously, the steel is different--which is a big contention in Parker discussions. However, the proof is in the proof-testing. Installing a 4 in Edwards mercury reducer and fitting with a good recoil pad brings the weight of these guns to 8 1/2 pounds and they still balance slightly back of the hinge pin. I have been using a steel barreled P-grade 3 in 12 as well as two sleeved/mono-blocked by LeFever Mag 10 Parkers for years turkey and waterfowl hunting. So, for those interested in an unavailable 3-in 12 Parker original, if you can procure proof-loads, one can be had. Note: Ed just used his last 3 in proof shells on an original 2-frame Trojan 12 that was sent to Remington in 1953 for reconditioning-barrels re-blued, re-cased and stock refinished; barrel flats marked RRR-3, No. 2281xx.

To each there own, they are your guns to do with as you please, as far as I am concerned all that was accomplished is the ruination of some V's and Trojans.

[Bill Murphy]

The Lefever monobloc ten gauges are wonderful guns. I own one in DH grade.

[charlie cleveland]

i hope some day that i might come across one of these 10 ga magnums in a parker....i have shot several of the old spanish doubles 10 s but they are some what on the bulkie side..bill does your 10 ga handle well....charlie

[Drew Hause]

Mike: who is the 'we' that has 10 chamber lengthened 12s?

Is this the Master Gunsmith Ed Lander of which you speak?

[charlie cleveland]

does anyone here use their 3 inch gun on turkeys or water fowl...what was the averageweight of a parker 3 inch gun....looks like they would have a 3 inch gun made on a 3 frame size instead of a 1 1/2 frame...these are very interesting guns to me....charlie

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Drew Hause

Mike: who is the 'we' that has 10 chamber lengthened 12s?

Is this the Master Gunsmith Ed Lander of which you speak?

Could Mike be good old boy Ed Good the "torch"

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Originally Posted by charlie cleveland

does anyone here use their 3 inch gun on turkeys or water fowl...what was the averageweight of a parker 3 inch gun....looks like they would have a 3 inch gun made on a 3 frame size instead of a 1 1/2 frame...these are very interesting guns to me....charlie

Charlie
My factory original 3 inch Remington era Parker is on a 1 1/2 frame as shown in the pictures above that Dean posted. Also my Parker Reproduction Steel Shot Special which has 3 inch chambers is also on a 1 1/2 frame.

[B. Dudley]

"Master"? Is there an apprenticeship program or guild in this country that bestows that title?