Backyard Proof House Vol. II
 

I finally got out to test fire a couple of 10ga Parkers that I have been wanting to "remotely" fire before shooting them off-hand. We used a tire and a string as advised in "Backyard Proof House Vol. I" and it worked quite well. We shot an 1892 3-frame 10 ga hammergun (RST 2-7/8) and a 1925 3-frame hammerless that has been hogged out to 3-1/2 (Winchester 3-1/2 turkey loads). Results were favorable, 5 rounds through each barrel, no sign of dammage, bore mic and inspection show no sign of bulging, wood is fine. Hammergun will be turkey hunting in a couple of weeks with RST 2-7/8' loads, hogged out PH will be in the blind next fall. I am really digging my first hammergun, very excited about hunting with it.

Dave,

The voice of experience says stick with 2 ounce loads in that 3 1/2 inch gun. A #3 frame just isn't quite heavy enough for the 2 1/4 ounce stuff, it will kick your head off and I've had the headaches to prove it.

Did you get the wall thickness measured at the chamber heads? If the barrel taper is strong there's a chance they might be a little thin with that kind of chamber extension.

These 10 gauge Parkers are murder on ducks and geese, you'll enjoy using it in the blind I guarantee.


Destry

10 Ga Loads
 

Elmer Keith was a heavy load fan, but he speaks quite glowingly of the traditional 1 1/4 ounce ten ga load in his book. Although you may not see any metal problems with heavier loads, watch for a little chip forming in the wrist of the stock behind the top tang of the frame, or a widening of the inlet gap around the tang.
Is your 3 frame gun stamped NH or PH on the water table?

Best, Austin

I shoot 1-1/4oz loads in my 10ga hammer gun for ducks and geese. Ask Destry how effective they are when I do my part. Recoil in the heavy gun is no problem at all. You'll quickly learn to love your 10ga Dave.....guaranteed!

The Hammerless gun is stamped PH on the water table. Kearcher examined it, I can't remember the min WT but he thought it would be fine. He also advised the use of the lighter load. I'll stick with 2oz and under for waterfowling with this one. As for the hammergun, I thought I'd order up some 1-1/4 oz RSTs. What fun shooting the hammergun (after the experiment we shot a few offhand). How am I going to live with just this one 0 grade gun???

You're not!

(voice of experience)

Far be it from me to argue with the voice of experience... something in 12 would a nice addition wouldn't it?

YES, YOU WILL LOVE YOUR 10 :bowdown: scott

Already do... 4 weeks till Turkey camp!

Dave,Four weeks till turkey camp huh? You still got time to get a 12 bore hammergun to go with that nice 10! Just tryin to help ya out buddy.....:rolleyes: