Thanks for all the insite and I will look and compare a Trojan with a VH so I know better next time. I will have them look at the chamber to see if they were inappropriately lengthened or not. I'm just curious on the bottom plate of the barrels where it is stamped 3" what does this mean. I understand the frame and barrel weight, but what does the 3" mean or did someone stamp and add this? Just curious as to to this. I will also look to see the difference in the extended rib of a Trojan as well. I'm trying to cramb my learning about these guns so thanks for any help you can lend, I really appreciate it!

Trojans are a delight to shoot and are very well made. The only problem I have had with one was my fault. I let one get a little dirty inside from years of use without taking it apart and cleaning. It started doubling and my heart stopped as it was my fathers gun. I took it apart and found a glob of dirt under a sear. Once cleaned I have not had another squeak out of it. In fact I am surprised how tight the gun remains knowing the use it has endured.

Whoever lengthened the chambers stamped those 3" on the barrel flats. The folks at Meriden most certainly didn't.

Can someone direct me on what the 3" represents on the underside of the barrel breach. I know the sizing of the frame #'s and the weight of the barrels but what does the 3" represent in these photos. Thanks

Sorry about the double posts as I see you replied already so thanks for that. I take it you have taken your Parker apart and put it back together on your own. I will have to jump online and pull up YouTube to see how it needs to be pulled apart as I always like to really take care of any thing I own so this will be no exception. Do they ever do a get together or events for some of the more experienced owners to share what they have learned about maintaining and keys to taking great care of their Parkers?

Eddy - you should go to our home page and srart clicking on the various links on the left side there.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Parkers, including disassembly and reassembly, can be found there. There is a world of information in those links that you should familiarize yourself with... and it all came from members here as well as from other earlier publications on Parker guns.





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With Parkers and other fine shotguns screwdriver fit is most important. I have made my own and also have a set from Brownell's that are great.

Eddy, your idea about a get-together to learn about things like you're bringing up is a good idea. I've not seen anything specifically designed this way, but if you go to the various shoots, I'm sure you can get some quality mentoring.

Let me offer a perspective...I'm sure you can get another, differing one from the guys here. Take your guns to a good smith to be checked out. If he thinks it should be cleaned, get him to do it. If not, just shoot them(!) Taking guns apart is not a frequently required part of maintenance, and you can potential do some harm taking a gun apart without knowing what you're doing. If you have snap caps, try them to see if the gun functions (although Parker said dry firing would not hurt the gun, I'd still recommend being cautious with any old gun). Make sure the safety works and the gun cocks the hammers when you open it after firing. If the barrels are safe, and they probably are, you should be good to go. I do think that the fact that the gun is stamped 3" is a good sign as whoever did it was certainly not trying to hide the fact...and likely knew what he was doing.

Guys I just wanted to thank you for all the help with the (2) parker's that I had looked at. it turns out that 12 gauge has had the chambers extended to hold 3", all the barrels turned out to be in great shape. So thanks for all the direction on this and I appreciate you taking the time to direct me on how to look at this.

Thanks and many blessings to you all!!

Enjoy those guns!