2 3/8" chambers?

[Keith Doty]

I just got my "letter" back on the VH 20 I purchased back before Christmas.The gun is a perfect match for the letter except for the added pad but I figured that was an addition made over the years, no surprise. Many thanks to our research guys! What I found VERY interesting is that, according to Mr. Bishop and company, this gun left Parker with 2 3/8" chambers. I didn't know such a thing existed. I assumed they were 2 1/2" as I believed the gun was "correct" and original. I carefully measured bore ID and MWT but took no chamber gauge with me when buying. I have not yet measured chambers but will be doing so today. Is this common? I didn't know 2 3/8" chambers existed. This gun made in 1926.

[James L. Martin]

My friend has 2 20ga VH Parkers that I measured at 2 3/8" ,they were made for 2 1/2 shells. They are cut short for a good gas seal for the shells at that time.

[Keith Doty]

This one does indeed measure 2 3/8". I measured my other VH 20 made in 1924, it is also 2 3/8". I had assumed it was a 2 1/2" gun and never measured it either. Were they all 2 3/8" in 20 ga?

[James L. Martin]

No, I have 2 20ga's at 2 5/8 for 2 3/4 shells and 2 20ga's at 2 7/8 for 3 inch. One has a letter stating that it was made with 2 7/8 chambers.

[Dean Romig]

As a point of interest, our “research committee” consists of one man and one man only - Mr. Chuck Bishop. He’s the only one we can thank for the fine job done on our research letters.





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[Keith Doty]

Dean, I'm crushed. I had visions of He and a staff of at least a couple of "elves" pouring over archival material, all outfitted in visors and sleeve bands, each with a classic green shaded lamp over cluttered desks piled high with dusty records! Kinda like finding out there is no Santa. But, as you said, he does a great job and is much appreciated. A good part of the pleasure in owning these fine old guns is the history attached.

[Garry L Gordon]

The good Mr. Bishop is like an army of researchers.

[Chuck Bishop]

Now you've made me blush! Thanks for the complements.