Chamber Length / Shell Length

[J. Scott Hanes]

This is my first time posting although I have been a member for a long time (#375) and have owned 7 Parkers over the years. I recently purchased a VH 20 gauge, #240,655 that was made in 1937 in Meridan, under Remington control. I had been looking for a higher stock-dimensioned gun for some time and this one is it. Also, I might add that I worked for Remington for 35 years and served under your former President, Art Wheaton, and managed to hold onto most of my savings! We hunt together most falls now that I am retired and still stay in casual contact.

Of some interest, this serial number is just before the two Parkers custom made for J. Cliff Green of Centerville, MD and chronicled in THE PARKER STORY on page 413. (240,656 and 240,657)

The gun was sold as having 2-5/8" chambers and I am not quite sure if shooting 2-3/4" shells will be safe. In THE PARKER STORY, Vol. 1, pages 164-169 there are specification sheets as issued to Remington Sales personnel that show chamber lengths of 2-5/8" for 2-3/4" shell length.

My question to the experts here is: Is this Parker safe to shoot 2-3/4" ammunition in or should I have the chambers lengthened?

Many thanks for the feedback. Great site here and very informative.

Scott Hanes

[Robin Lewis]

My observation from other threads on this topic are two fold. First, there seems to a view that lengthening the chambers could/may/would weaken the chamber walls where the pressure is the highest. Second, there are views that Parker would say it was OK because the "paper" shells would open out to form a tight seal and it was OK to shoot 2 3/4 shells in the shorter chamber.

Now that we shoot plastic hulls that may not be as true as it was back in the day.

I am not an expert on the topic but I can say that I have shoot thousands of 2-3/4 shells in a 2-5/8 chamber with no ill effects.

[Dean Romig]

Mr. Hanes, Welcome! It's good to seen you making your first post to the PGCA website.

Yes indeed, the 2 5/8" chamber in a late, 1937, twenty-gauge Parker was indeed intended to shoot 2 3/4" shells. My grandson's 1929 twenty-gauge VH is also chambered at 2 5/8" and has been used often with 2 3/4" shells. Having said that, we find that it shoots noticeably softer (for the shooter anyway) with 2 1/2" RST lighter loads. I went to the RST's so as not to cause the boy to develop a 'flinch.'

It sure is nice to find the "right" Parker that you know you're going to shoot well because it fits well.





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[charlie cleveland]

i too have shot lots of shells in the 20 ga that had short chambers 2 5/8 inch useing 2 3/4 inch shells with no harm to the gun....i believe it was mister bell who ran a test on the chamber presures and there was very little diffeart preasure in the chambers....charlie

[J. Scott Hanes]

Thanks to all of the respondents! I suspected as much about the safety of the chambers, but it is always good to hear from experienced hands.

BTW...my newest Parker has a Single Trigger (175,000 trap targets over the years makes a change to twin triggers a real adventure!), 28" barrels (.014 and .020), straight grip, beavertail forend and checkered butt. According to records, it is one of 163 20's with the BTFE. Comb is 1-5/8" and 14"LOP. Have not shot it yet, but will once it cools off here in Houston.

Scott Hanes