So will the guy who reads the chart, runs out to buy heavy modern field loads - and ends up missing a few fingers '..when we let them know about when they ask what they can shoot..'. I'd never recommend anyone shooting anything. Period. Why??

I haven't seen the gun, measured wall thickness, seen the condition of the bore, size, dia, wood condition, whatever - all of it... And even if I had - would defer that to a QUALIFIED gunsmith... And I can assure you - no qualified gunsmith will make a prognosis based on pictures, descriptions, whatever - certainly an Internet description.. They'll require seeing it in person...

And oh - BTW - 4dr of FFF (about 108/109gr) behind a 1 1/8 load (12 GA) is about 6900~7000 PSI (primer depending). Modern field loads are "how much higher" (see below - I never ask a question that I'm not pretty certain of the answer.. That's just me, tho') ..??

In short - I'd never suggest shooting heavy modern loads until the Parker is checked out by someone qualified. - And I'd never tell them what they can shoot, as I'm NOT a qualified gunsmith..

And oh #2.... Just to see the pressure differences..???

3dr of BP is about 4900 PSI... (7.5 shot - 1 1/8 OZ) ~1,205 FPS
3dr Equivalent (21gr WW 450AA (great powder!!) of SMOKELESS is about 9600 PSI - ~1,205 FPS

So, here is the next question....

Since the Parker Reference load table is all Black Powder... Anyone know the PROOF load for BP?? Want to guess if it was lower than even the 9,600 PSI smokeless load listed above..??

Best to all,

John

Bruce,

Can you scan the tables and email it to me? Scan at 300bpi or better and it should be nice and clear.

Robin

Yes John, your point is why I was/am reluctant to get into specifics like this. I tried to point out that the table was obsolete and being from Parker in black powder would make it more history information. Nothing was or is a recommendation, just historical information but I will add this explicitly if the FAQ remains.

Thanks John! I just looked, you did it for me before I could get back there.

John,

I agree that all guns should be checked for barrel wall thickness and overall condition.

You made a good point about the smokeless dram equivilant pressure being different that of black powder. The proof table used by Parker is on page 515 of The Parker Story.

Caution is good and no one is suggesting feeding their Parker a steady diet of SAAMI Maximum pressure loads. The guns however were built to take those pressures. They are however about 100 years old so one should be careful and limit the amout that we punish them.

PS: Bruce I sent you my email and snail mail addresses if you would be so kind as to send me the table?

Respectfully,
Mark

Hi Robin,

Yep - I alread added that in RED ;) As well - I changed one typo:

Black Powder Drama

to

Black Powder Drams...

Frankly - I should have just left "Black Powder Drama..?? ;) :)

Best to you!

John

At the same time that Parker Brothers stated in the "Small Bore" brochure that a 7/8 ounce 20 gauge load was excessive and "not recommended", they were building guns in 20 gauge intended for 1 ounce of shot and 3 drams equivalent loads.