T grade 1885 Parker

[Frank Danner]

I have an 1885 Parker T grade with reverse chokes. No, not switched left to right, but
instead of a constriction, the chokes open up, like a Blunderbuss. They measure as ten gauge chokes, the shotgun is a twelve gauge. Has anyone seen this?

[B. Dudley]

What is the bore diameter and choke constriction?

[Frank Danner]

At the end of the barrel, right .758, left:.754, I have no way of measuring nine inches inside the barrel to obtain barrel inside diameter. I assume it is the 12 gauge standard 729-.730.

[B. Dudley]

The bore is just oversized. This is common. I have seen plenty of 12g guns with near 10g sized bores than still had plenty of choke in them.

[Randy Roberts]

To Brians point my Quality T Hammer 12 bore from 1891 has bores that measure .755 and .754 with choke constrictions of .037 and .038.

[Frank Danner]

I will try to borrow a gauge to measure the inside of the barrels, but there is a visible outward flair of the end of the barrels.

[B. Dudley]

Photos?

[ArtS]

I own a number of 12 and 10 ga Parkers and every one is a perfect bore size larger. The 12s are 11 gauge and the 10s are 9 ga. The Parker Story discusses and lists the date the factory records say they switched to standard size barrels unless the larger barrels are ordered.

[Frank Danner]

Finally measured bores, 0.750 four inches inside muzzle, 0.750 two inches past chamber, both barrels. .758 and 0.754 at end of barrels (muzzle).

[ArtS]

That sounds untouched for a typical bore of that vintage, although they were starting to phase them out. Sounds like someone reamed the chokes out.