Parker Rib Matting Terminations
 

Parker milled rib matting began in 1885 with the addition of their first matting machine. Some guns made prior to that time were sent back and matting added. Post 1885, all Parkers that I know of were made with rib matting. See TPS for explanation of the matting machine.

A recurring issue on this forum concerns whether barrels have been chopped as an expedient and low or no cost way to reduce the usual tight chokes of a Parker. Twelve gauge guns were normally 32", 30" or 28", rarely 26" or less, and almost always an even number inch. We commonly see 26" chopped original 30" barrel 12ga guns, which bobs 4" off the barrels and leaves cylinder bores. If 2" are chopped from a tight choked 30" gun, the usual choke remaining is around .005-.010", or improved cylinder.

Following is a photo showing typical rib matting terminations on two uncut barrel 20ga Parkers. Note the transverse line across the matting termination; this line is a hallmark of an uncut barrel. Some are close to the end, others are set back, as illustrated. A very few uncut barrel guns have no line, with the matting running off the end. This is believed to be a mistake on the part of the matting machine operator who had to watch the matting cutter as it neared the rib end and lift the cutter at the appropriate point. This photo shows another feature of Parker ribs....some are broader than others, and could be specified by the purchaser throughout the years of manufacture.

Uncut versus cut barrels make significant value differences to collectors, and may make a point of impact, pattern consistency and balance difference to shooters. Pattern board testing is highly recommended if considering a cut barrel Parker.

Thanks Bruce for the explanation of ribs and matting of Parker ribs.

For those interested in Parker Brothers barrel machining and rib matting, there is a six-page article taken in it's entirety from the American Machinist that will appear in the summer issue of Parker Pages.

Here is a link to our web site with a No Safety 32" VH with the rib matting that goes to the end Just like Bruce describes...
http://ironmenarms.com/listings.php?id=666 The barrels measure exactly 32" and are choked exactly like in the letter.

Tom, after magnifying the picture of that rib we can see that the matting lines actually stop right at the terminal end of the rib or just a couple of thousandths before the termination.

Those barrels look like there two different guages. Would guage make any difference in the width of the rib?

When the question arises about odd barrel lengths on the forum, the first question that I always pose is if the matting terminates or not. Not that if it doesn't means cut barrels, but it is added evidence that would support the suspicion.

The combination of the rib matting ending or not plus the length of choke should tell the story.

What would one specifically look for regarding the
length of choke?

Eric, From my experience I use 4 inch's of choke or very close to that in Meriden built guns less in Remington built guns.

Thanks for the information Bruce.:)