Parker Trojan Chamber Question
 

Hello, I am new to the forum...I just purchased a Parker Trojan it is a 12GA and was manufactured about 1918. The question I have is can I safely shoot a modern 2 3/4 shell in this gun. I did buy the gun from a gun shop and it has been verified safe by a gunsmith, however the gun was consigned and the shop help didnt know much about the gun. Was there a common chamber size that the trojan 12ga came in? Any help wouls be appreciated. Thank you.

It most likely has 2-5/8 in. chambers if it hasn't been modified. There is documentation to support the conclusion that Parker intended the gun to be used with 2-3/4 in. shells. There are tests that show that firing 2-3/4 in. shells in those chambers has negligible effect on pressure when compared to the same shell in a 2-3/4 in. chamber. I believe almost everyone here fires 2-3/4 in. shells in their 2-5/8 in. chambered guns without concern, provided the barrels are otherwise sound. Personally, I feel better about that situation than firing them in "lengthened" chambers unless I have done careful measurements to prove that the reaming did not create thin-walled areas near the forcing cone. From a realistic standpoint, the barrels should withstand any standard 2-3/4 in. load except for the magnums. I have fired a few 3-3/4 Dram, 1-1/4 oz. loads in my 1915 Trojan when turkey hunting, but mostly stick with 3-1/4 Dram, 1-1/8 oz. loads for most hunting. For high-volume target shooting, I use even lighter loads (but so do the pros in their brand-new O/Us because of recoil and flinch problems). I have fired tons of the Federal promo loads like you get in 100 rd. packs at Wal-Mart through my 2-5/8 in. chambered Parkers (those are 3-Dram, 1-1/8 oz.). The "safety" factor comes from adequate wall thickness, not chamber length. If your gun is in good shape and has adequate wall thickness, fire away. The heavier 2-3/4 in. loads will be harder on the old wood in the stock than the barrels (and that is something to be aware of as it can cause splitting).

Jim

Jim, Thank you so much for the information I really appreciate you taking the time and answer my question. A few hunting buddies and myself are off to hunt Pheasant tomorrow. I plan to shoot the Parker!!