Jack, the 12-b brass shell is smaller than a 12-a brass shell, if I were at home I would send you one to try, 12-b shells are pretty hard to find, are you coming to the southern if so I will bring a 12-b shell for you to try, Gary

Hi Gary,
I'm assuming the Southern is some sort of gun show or similar event. I don't usually go to these, but could possibly make it if it isn't too far from me--I don't travel too well any more!
Where and when will this event be held?
Whether I'm able to come or not, I wanted to thank you SO MUCH for your gracious offer!

Jack, I live in Floyd V.A. The venue is in Sanford N.C. if you are in V.A. when I get back maybe we could get together and try the shell in your gun, Gary

[QUOTE=Gary Carmichael Sr;132874]Jack, I live in Floyd V.A. The venue is in Sanford N.C. if you are in V.A. when I get back maybe we could get together and try the shell in your gun, Gary[/QUOTE


That's an awful nice gesture, but a long trip even if we met halfway!

Mystery solved!!! (I think!)
 

Thanks to a very gracious and savvy P.G.C.A member with the proper equipment, I now have some accurate figures which to work!
According to this fine gentleman, the chamber runs .770 out to .761. Then the barrels are as follows:
RIGHT--.730 to .731 at the end.
LEFT--.731 out to .732. at the end
Choke (?)- cyl & cyl
Chamber--2.425 (2.5)

So what does all this mean? Darned if I know. What I DO know is that it sounds too big to be 14 or 13 gauge--shucks!!! Sounds like many of you mentioned--some version of a 12 ga. --most likely a 12b???
Anyway , a BIG THANKS AGAIN TO ALL WHO HELPED ME!!!

P.S.--Even though it was probably luck, I'm pretty proud of my" homemade barrel measuring device" With it we came up with a figure of .724 compared to actual values of .730-.732 for a difference of only six to eight thousandths. Not too shabby for a magic marker tube, a little fine sandpaper, and a ramrod! (plus someone else's caliper)

[QUOTE=Jack Hamner;132932]Please see my last post--I think we've got it close to nailed down. It would be very helpful, however, if you could take measurements of your shell and send them to me. Thanks!

Could someone that owns both a brass 12 gauge "A" and a "B" shell measure them and post their respective sizes please? I'm interested in learning more about them!

Guys I could help you but am not at home for another month yet, Gary

Not a problem, Gary--Thanks! Jack.

"The Parker Story" states in Vol II, page 524, first column, that a 12b brass shell measures 0.765" at it's base. This is exactly five thousanths less than the chamber opening of 0.770. The small difference is for fit, to insert and remove the shell. The bore sizes are 12ga.