Chamber Length 12 Guage

[Michael D Hankinson]

I have two Parker VH in 12 gauge, both on #2 frames. Serial numbers are 117628 and 161588 I am not seeing chamber length information on the barrels. The 117628 has 30" barrels which appear to be marked 4#. The 161588 has 28" barrels which appear to be marked 3# 12 oz. I have read earlier posts on chamber length of 2 5/8 which are okay to shoot with target or light hunting loads in 2 3/4 length. Should both sets of barrels be marked for chamber length?

[Dean Romig]

I see that both sets of barrels are made to the stout 2-frame. As such both sets of barrels are fine for shooting 2 3/4" shells providing barrel wall thickness is sufficient. They should have originally been either 2 5/8" chambers or 2 9/16". Both of those will accept and shoot 2 3/4" shells without compromise.

[Chuck Bishop]

161588 is a Trojan, not a VH. As I recall, only late Remington Parkers had the chamber length stamped on the barrel lug. Try measuring the chamber length. Take a small flat machinist ruler and put it in the chamber until it meets the start of the forcing cone. Using a flash light shining from the muzzle helps to see the start of the forcing cone.

[Brian Dudley]

You mention both guns are VH grade, however the barrels pictured in the top photo are marked OV which is for Trojan Steel.

2-3/4" shells are fine to shoot out of 2-5/8" chambers in Fluid steel barrels.

[Dean Romig]

And Damascus barrels too, as long as the barrels have sufficient wall thickness and front of chamber wall thickness.

[Michael D Hankinson]

Thanks for the quick response for my newbie questions. While low end both of these guns "fit me" and are greatly appreciated.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Dont think there is such a thing as "low end Parker', some are just nicer than others.
Most of us would proudly carry our VH and Trojans. Shoot them proudly.