Bore dimensions
 

I have owned two 12 gauge Parkers and both have had what appears to be over-bored or back-bored barrels. Is this typical/normal?

Yes they did, mostly on hammer guns below 60k S/N. Not unusual to see 12 ga. bore diameters up to .760. Do a site search on bore diameters.

Mr. Hege:
First, you must actually know what the bore dimensions are/were. Then you must allow for shop/production variations. Then there is the possibility of factory post-production modification. And finally, you must understand that a lot of these Parkers, as well as other classic shotguns, have been honed out over the years to remove pits, etc., thus enlarging the bores.

Any or all of these factors will impact the gun's barrel condition and dimensions, i. e. "normalcy" in later years.

What are the serial numbers of the guns you suspect are overbored? We can be of more help if we know what you have.

Thanks to all for the quick responses. I am away from home (and my Parker) for the weekend, so I can't give you serial numbers, but my current gun is a 1902 (12 ga), and the one I no longer own is a Remington 12 ga.
Both barrels on my current gun measure .739, and chokes are .040+.
All comments/observations are greatly appreciated...this is a great forum.

Those dims are not uncommon for a Parker of that Era.