Shell Size

[Christopher Dominick]

Dad recently gave me his 20 ga, side by side DH. Would like to hunt upland with it....before I do I want to be sure I can use 2 3/4 inch shells, and can use modern ammo (like Fiocchi golden pheasant loads). How do I verify it will accept 2 3/4 inch shells? Any insight?

[John Knobelsdorf II]

For verification, seek the attention of a gunsmith. If it were me, I would get to one who is well familiar with Parker Guns. They are readily available in most parts of the US. Names and contact information are readily available at this website. Go to the home page and see question #1 you get to via the FAQ link. Its title is: “1. Need a gunsmith?”

As for the query: can I use it to hunt with? Maybe yes, maybe no. It depends on the condition of the barrels.

If this one was made in later years of production (and not obviously compromised), I would more likely than not be comfortable with current production 2 3/4 inch shells. Preferring the lighter load versions.

I think a lot of 2 3/4 shells have been run through Parker Guns, before the time when 2 1/2 became relatively easy to get again. Because they are crimped (folded over so now less than full length), the unfired shell fits into the chamber and the breech closes.

But, as of now, there is no clue about how an amateur or a professional gunsmith would evaluate the condition of the barrels you want to use - so there is no way to answer the question with any confidence.

One starting point will be to know: are these even fluid steel? Or are these, Damascus, or Twist, (or one of the other pattern welded barrels).

Other questions to answer: bulges? pitting? repairs? cracks?

What is your Dad’s history with it?