Bruce Day
05-23-2013, 09:05 AM
Parker milled rib matting began in 1885 with the addition of their first matting machine. Some guns made prior to that time were sent back and matting added. Post 1885, all Parkers that I know of were made with rib matting. See TPS for explanation of the matting machine.
A recurring issue on this forum concerns whether barrels have been chopped as an expedient and low or no cost way to reduce the usual tight chokes of a Parker. Twelve gauge guns were normally 32", 30" or 28", rarely 26" or less, and almost always an even number inch. We commonly see 26" chopped original 30" barrel 12ga guns, which bobs 4" off the barrels and leaves cylinder bores. If 2" are chopped from a tight choked 30" gun, the usual choke remaining is around .005-.010", or improved cylinder.
Following is a photo showing typical rib matting terminations on two uncut barrel 20ga Parkers. Note the transverse line across the matting termination; this line is a hallmark of an uncut barrel. Some are close to the end, others are set back, as illustrated. A very few uncut barrel guns have no line, with the matting running off the end. This is believed to be a mistake on the part of the matting machine operator who had to watch the matting cutter as it neared the rib end and lift the cutter at the appropriate point. This photo shows another feature of Parker ribs....some are broader than others, and could be specified by the purchaser throughout the years of manufacture.
Uncut versus cut barrels make significant value differences to collectors, and may make a point of impact, pattern consistency and balance difference to shooters. Pattern board testing is highly recommended if considering a cut barrel Parker.
A recurring issue on this forum concerns whether barrels have been chopped as an expedient and low or no cost way to reduce the usual tight chokes of a Parker. Twelve gauge guns were normally 32", 30" or 28", rarely 26" or less, and almost always an even number inch. We commonly see 26" chopped original 30" barrel 12ga guns, which bobs 4" off the barrels and leaves cylinder bores. If 2" are chopped from a tight choked 30" gun, the usual choke remaining is around .005-.010", or improved cylinder.
Following is a photo showing typical rib matting terminations on two uncut barrel 20ga Parkers. Note the transverse line across the matting termination; this line is a hallmark of an uncut barrel. Some are close to the end, others are set back, as illustrated. A very few uncut barrel guns have no line, with the matting running off the end. This is believed to be a mistake on the part of the matting machine operator who had to watch the matting cutter as it neared the rib end and lift the cutter at the appropriate point. This photo shows another feature of Parker ribs....some are broader than others, and could be specified by the purchaser throughout the years of manufacture.
Uncut versus cut barrels make significant value differences to collectors, and may make a point of impact, pattern consistency and balance difference to shooters. Pattern board testing is highly recommended if considering a cut barrel Parker.