Parker V Grade ?

[Randy McCall]

I have a Parker V Grade 12 ga with serial number 179567. Can anyone tell me about this gun. It has two barrells.

[Russ Jackson]

Hello Randy , according to the Parker Serialization Book ,You have a VHE , "The " E " Stands for Ejectors " , It is a 12 Ga. with a Capped Pistol Grip ,Ejectors ,and 30" Barrels ! Also according to the Book your gun was built by Parker Brothers in 1917 . Also it should read Vulcan Steel on the Barrel Rib . Russ

[George Lander]

Hello Randy: Do you mean that your VHE has two sets of barrels? If so, are they both serial numbered to that on the frame T triggerguard?

Best Regards, George

[Randy McCall]

Yes it has two barrells with the same serial numbers and two forearms that are labeled 1 and 2 to match barrell 1 and 2 as stamped on the barrells and forearms.

[Bill Murphy]

That is some great setup. What are the specs of each set of barrels? Is there a frame size marking on the bottom of the rear barrel lug? There is some possiblility that a PGCA letter would document the installation of the second set of barrels. Such provenance is available on guns up to about 186,000 serial number range and repairs and add ons made during the same era (1919). The letter could give the name of the original purchaser, although it may be a retailer rather than an individual.

[Randy McCall]

Number 2 barrel. The short barrell is 26in. On the left barrel I see some marks. ** JG in a cirlce with some other small mark that I can't make out. On the right side is a Circle with a V with a mark that looks like Ht with an A underneath then there is a mark that shows a 3 15. The 3 is larger than the 15.

The number 1 barrell is 30 inches long. Has a JG in a circle on the left side. On the right underside is a Circle with a V another mark with at HT with A underneath. Then what looks like an upside down cross with a 1 next to it.

It does have Parker Bros.....Vulcan steel.

My question is can you shoot regular bird shot through these barrels. I have an do not see to see any problems.

[Dean Romig]

Congratulations on a nice parker Randy.
You can shoot most off the shelf shells in your Parker but many of use low-pressure loads - not because the gun can't take higher pressures, but because there is no need to subject the guns to the pounding from shells that are manufactured to operate any and all modern autoloaders. Further, your chambers are probably 2 9/16" and if you use 2 1/2" shells you will likely experience less "felt recoil" than standard 2 3/4" shells.

JG are the initials of James Geary, a barrel maker at Parker Bros. in Meriden CT.
The 3 and 15 is the weight of the barrels before striking.
The upside-down cross is likely a 4 indicating lbs. and the 1 is likely for oz. this 30" set was probably 4 lbs., 1 oz. before striking.

[Randy McCall]

Thanks so much for the information. It is an heirloom so it won't be going anywhere.

[Dean Romig]

Randy, you need to order a PGCA Research Letter on your family heirloom gun. Go to our Home page and click on the tab at the left that brings you to research letters.

A family heirloom Parker absolutely needs a research letter.

[Bruce Day]

I've bought and shot commercial store loads for years. For 12ga upland hunting, I buy 1 1/8oz /3 dram 2 3/4" loads for both fluid steel and damascus. I shoot lighter for clays.

I haven't found there is any difference in recoil between 2 1/2 and 2 3/4" shells. And if you look at the recoil formula, shell length is not a factor. It runs out to about a 300psi difference in chamber pressure but I can't tell any difference and I figure, recklessly perhaps, that my guns aren't going to blow with a 300psi increase. Moreover, if a person is really concerned about shell length, try measuring a AA fired hull and you'll find it is around 2 5/8".

People have their favorite products and loads and you make up your own mind.

[Dean Romig]

I haven't found there is any difference in recoil between 2 1/2 and 2 3/4" shells. And if you look at the recoil formula, shell length is not a factor.

I have a 1928 VH 20 ga. with 2 5/8" chambers and it is the most uncomfortable gun to shoot with 'off the shelf' ammo that I own. When I shoot low-pressure 2 1/2" ammo it is a joy to shoot.

.
People have their favorite products and loads and you make up your own mind. I second that statement.

[Bruce Day]

Try shooting the identical load in a 2 1/2" hull and a 2 3/4" hull and tell me if you can feel any difference.

Its always easier on the shoulder to shoot low shot weight, low speed loads. There are a number of ultralight loads available from major manufacturers. Many of the shooters at the local clubs have gone to those regardless of the gun they use, unless they have an auto that needs recoil or gas to cycle.

When you look at the recoil formula, the only factors are speed and weight of all the ejecta, including gas, wads and shot. High or low chamber pressure has little to do with that and a person, by powder type selection , can achieve the same shot velocity with different powder pressures. I think what you are trying to say is that low recoil ammo feels better. Of course it does; now select a low recoil ammo that will have suitable velocity and shot weight for what you are trying to do, and that is the rub and the trouble with using the heavy, fast , and expensive loads that manufacturers tout as necessary for upland game. So, on a Parker 12, use the load for which the gun was intended and targeted, a 1 1/8oz/ 3 dre, for a 16 , 1 oz, 2 1/2dre, and for a 20, a 7/8 or 3/4oz at 2 1/2dre. If you want to bang away at clays, load or buy less if you want. The dre will give you the speed.

Bruce Day, apprentice fourth class.

[Dean Romig]

Try shooting the identical load in a 2 1/2" hull and a 2 3/4" hull and tell me if you can feel any difference.

You are probably absolutely correct. I'm only stating my own experiences and don't have the time or inclination to search for identical loads in different length shells so I'll just continue to shoot what is most comfortable to me and is very easy to buy.

.
Its always easier on the shoulder to shoot low shot weight, low speed loads. There are a number of ultralight loads available from major manufacturers. Many of the shooters at the local clubs have gone to those regardless of the gun they use, unless they have an auto that needs recoil or gas to cycle.

True.

[Dean Romig]

I think what you are trying to say is that low recoil ammo feels better. Of course it does; now select a low recoil ammo that will have suitable velocity and shot weight for what you are trying to do, and that is the rub and the trouble with using the heavy, fast , and expensive loads that manufacturers tout as necessary for upland game. So, on a Parker 12, use the load for which the gun was intended and targeted, a 1 1/8oz/ 3 dre, for a 16 , 1 oz, 2 1/2dre, and for a 20, a 7/8 or 3/4oz at 2 1/2dre. If you want to bang away at clays, load or buy less if you want. The dre will give you the speed.

Bruce Day, apprentice fourth class.

Exactly Bruce!! Thanks for making my case for me.
Dean

[Bruce Day]

Then all we need to do it tell people that but we can't manage to get that in a FAQ.

[Dean Romig]

I think we can work with Robin to post something in the FAQ that will impart this information without anyone ever being able to say "The PGCA said I could shoot these loads in my old Parker." and, yourself being a (contract) lawyer, would likely be the best person to craft the wording. Yes?

[Bruce Day]

I have made many suggestions about that before and they get sidetracked in a morass of discussions and its time for someone else to take the flak. The last time I suggested such wording it drew an assault from a person who I had regarded as a friend so I am out of it.