Chamber Length

[Eldon Goddard]

I measured the chamber on my parker with my homemade chamber guage and it stops right at 2 3/4'' and then I checked a single barrel shotgun I have chambered in 3'' and my gauge stops right at 3''. However when I check my ruger red label chambered for 3'' it stops around 3 1/4''. Quite confused about this. Does ruger make the chamber longer?

[John Campbell]

Eldon:
This is a good question for Ruger. Why not ask them? But what you are probably "measuring" is an extended forcing cone. since your gauge is home-made, it might be best to get a Galazan gauge or a plug gauge from Brownells and try the same measurements.

In any case, there is no need for concern. Longer cones mean slightly less pressure.

Conversely, 2 1/2" chambers do not raise pressures significantly with 2 3/4" cartridges.

This is an endless topic of discussion. Bottom line: your guns are just fine.

Best, Kensal