Shell vs chamber length

[Frank Wilson]

Gentlemen,
Is it ok to shoot 2 1/2 RSTs in a 2 3/4 chambered gun? I know the opposite is a problem. Not actually sure what the chamber length is in my 1903 16 ga 0 frame so just trying to be on the safe side - I think. The gentleman I bought it from at a gun show said it was 2 3/4 but unless the chambers have been lengthened it would seem they are likely 2 1/2 since everything I read indicates that is the case with most old pre WWII doubles.

[Rick Losey]

if you can't sleep tonight - do a search on chamber length

you'll find enough to read to lull you to sleep :rotf:


first of all- the only way to know the length of your chambers is to have them measured -

then you have to take your choice of the advice given in all those threads

some say stay short, stay safe

some say Parker meant the 2 5/8 chamber to use a 2 3/4 - the pressure spike may be minimal

some- i tend to one- will tell you to go light recoil loads because you are pounding 100 + year old wood- which loads happen to also mostly be the short, low pressure loads as well.


and yes - 2 1/2 in a 2 3/4 chamber will not be an issue

[Frank Wilson]

Shot the 16 for the first time just a bit ago. The RST 3/4 oz LITEs #7 1/2 loads came in today and couldn't wait. What a sweet feelin gun. Gonna be a long summer.

[Michael Kitterman]

Hi Frank, I'm up in north central Okla and can't wait for sept to take my 16ga VH out and hunt some dove's. I am ordering some RST 2 1/2" 7.5 shells for the season. Good hunting!

[Frank Wilson]

Hey Michael, good to see another okie on here. I'm a little jealous of you guys in the north and western parts of the state that seem to have a few more choices of upland birds to hunt. Plenty of dove down here and our quail seem to be making a bit of a comeback. Gotta head north for the pheasant though.

[Michael Kitterman]

I hear quail every evening sitting on my back patio, pheasant too. Lots of doves around right now! Only thing I didn't get this spring were any Morel mushrooms. Always go over around Canton lake, just been too dry until lately and of course the season's over.

[Frank Wilson]

Must be nice! I remember those days in the field with my dad and grandpa when the quail were so thick down here we didn't really need dogs. I have high hopes of watching my two brand new grandsons react to a covey rise someday and see their excitement after they knock a couple down with the restored Parker and Fox I'll give them someday. Maybe they'll like it better than video games. Haha!

[Michael Kitterman]

Good for your grandsons, I don't have any sons or grandsons just a favorite nephew with some disability after a brain tumor. Have been taking him hunting and I have always planed on him getting my Parker and my favorite Lefever when I can hunt no more. Have been educating him in the beauty of vintage American made doubles.