The explanation for the Vulcan Steel barrels on a 1896 DH is quite obvious. Titanic Steel barrels weren't introduced until 1897 and prior to their introduction the choices were only Damascus Steel, Laminated Steel, Twist and Vulcan Steel, so if someone wanted a DH with fluid steel barrels the only option was Vulcan Steel.





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Wm R. Burkhard's was a big sporting goods dealer in St Paul.

Just get the dam chambers measured. It will eliminate all speculation and give you peace of mind.

That’s my game plan , soon as I get it , I’ll have it measured and look at befor I start shooting it
Thanks

1937-38 Burkhards Catalog with pages showing Parker’s.

Thanks guys for the info on Burkhard. I had never knew who he was.

There is a high probability it is a 2.5 chamber. The thing is that a modern 2.75” shell fits in a chamber of that size because of the crimp (roll or pie). Shells are measured by the length before loading. That being said, if a 2.75 or 3” plastic shell fits in the 2.5” chamber and is shot the pressure will increase due to the end of the shell causing a constricted forcing cone. Not sure how dangerous that is but to be on the safe side there is nothing wrong with having it reamed to 2.75 for safety. Or if you reload, trim the hull to 2.5” then reload it.

Good discussion...., just as an added bit of information, I had a 1903 16 ga. 0 frame, VH grade, with Vulcan barrels that was sold as having 2-3/4" chambers.

I had a gunsmith measure the chambers and they were 2-3/4".

A later Research Letter verified that the gun was ordered with the 2-3/4" chambers.

Maybe take a quick look at the home page. Parker FAQs / Collecting/#7 barrel wall thickness. It will explain that wall thickness is quite important at the juncture of the chambers and forcing cone as well as the angle, furthermore the wall thickness is also decreasing from the breech to the muzzle. Just a little food for thought before wielding a reamer to save a little $$ on shells.

I’ll know with luck over the weekend , it’s in the mail to me to inspect and I’ll measure them then