Barrell thickness for 20 ga

[B. Dudley]

There is no documented standard. The US does not have proof laws and never has. “Minimum and acceptable wall thicknesses is a topic that has been discussed at much length here and in nearly any other shotgun forum online. And it does have a lot to do with personal opinion and experience. Some searching of past discussions as well as review of British proof standards will likely enlighten you.

By the way. You shot the gun and it did not blow up. So that is a good thing. AND, if the gun has choke in it, which it likely does, the thickness at the muzzle means nothing. And it is no indication of the thickness farther back where it matters. You cannot measure wall thickness with a dial caliper. You need specialized gauges that cost at least a few hundred dollars.

[Loren Tillett]

Thank you. Appreciate the insight. I figured there was a mountain of discussion on this topic. Just was wondering if there were any published standards by Parker Bros. for barrels? And you’re correct, if it didn’t blow up or bulge somewhere I’m good. I wasn’t worried about the little Parker with the target loads, I was more concerned about the St. Etienne 16 that I was trying for the first time, shooting vintage Ted Williams shells we found on the back shelf at the range. All good.