1901 VH Monte Carlo In Hand:
 

The Parker VH with the Monte Carlo stock has arrived at it's new home. I'm pleased enough with the purchase, all things considered. I like the fact that the gun was ordered with 2-3/4" chambers and Special Ordered with the MC butt-stock. I lightly cleaned the muzzle with 0000 steel wool wetted with Hoppes & oil to reveal in fact that barrels are touching. The 30" bores are very nice with no concerns. The butt-stock was cut through the widows peak (Ouch!) to accommodate the added Hawkins pad. allowing a 14-1/2" length of pull . It wasn't a deal breaker, I had already considered the probability. There are + stamps on the barrel flats, one on each side of the lug. I photographed the barrel flats and maybe someone knows the significance, if any. The shotgun has nice blue remaining and locks up tight. The front sight turns freely and removal will be easy, locating a proper replacement probably won't be. Though it wasn't a "Home Run" purchase it will be appreciated and be added to the "Shooter Stable". Some photos:

Very nice!! Looks like it should be a fun shooter. Cool provenance on that early Monte Carlo. Sure would be nice to see some of the other guns from that order surface. I don't believe anyone has a positive handle on the meaning of the + sign markings.

It looks to me like someone aftermarket may well have pushed the chambers out to 3-inch --

Attachment 97748

That might explain the pad

"It looks to me like someone aftermarket may well have pushed the chambers out to 3-inch"
I just dug up a 3-1/2" Bismuth 12 gauge shell. However nonscientific it may be, that shell goes all the way into the chamber with little resistance, the action closes normally. I have shot those 3-1/2" "Devils" and on an overhead shot at a Canadian Goose, the grip/receiver slammed my cheek and I was blinded. The only thing I could see was STARS! I turned a complete circle and when I could see again I asked my son "Did I hit the goose?", yes I did but sure didn't see it fall. I no longer use them.

nice load for sure...charlie

Please share the letter with us when it arrives. Thanks. What a great gun.

FYI: No issues with Steel barreled, 2-Frame, Trojans and Vulcan Parkers
bored to the 3" magnum. 10 of these barrels, that I know, of all passed
proof-test with Remington 3" proof loads.

I assume that the 3 1/2" shell measures about 3" unfired?

Yes, you are correct.

MC Parker
 

Bruce , J P Clabrough here!
I like your new toy a handsome gun and I bet will reach out there. What will you hunt with it or will you? I have another Clabrough on the way!