Parker VHE chamber length
 

I've been shooting a 1928 12 ga VHE using 2 3/4 inch one ounce loads. It just dawned on me I don't see a chamber length on my barrels and wonder if my gun might be chambered for less than 2 3/4 inch shells. I'm not having any sign of a problem so far. How can I be sure?

the chambers would need to be measured to be sure


they are not marked on a Parker

Just cut a business card or heavy paper the width of a 12 ga sell and slid it onto the chamber it should stop at the end of the chamber. Measure that depth.

Good advice, thanks, Mike

I have a 1899 DH 12/30 with Titanic barrels and 2 9/16" chambers that I have always shot 2 3/4" trap and game loads in without ever a problem other than the very end of fired shells are always "pinched" thin.





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Chamber length, 1928 VHE
 

I used your idea and found the forcing cone starts at 2 15/16 inch, plenty of room; thanks again.

At some point soon, it would be good to have the barrel wall thickness measured at strategic points throughout the barrels. As with all things having passed through others' hands, there is a history of use (and sometimes alterations) to them...with negative effects for the subsequent users.

Mike;

Glad you were able to get an answer to your question. I would echo Gerry’s suggestion that you have someone familiar with old doubles give your gun a once over. Your V-grade has been around a couple of lifetimes. Wouldn’t do any harm to give it a check up. Just make sure it’s someone familiar with Parker’s.

Best,

Jay

I'd say always measure barrels for thickness BEFORE buying or stipulate in the sale that they are a safe thickness. I've looked at a couple of really nice guns at what I thought were good prices only to find thin (.015 on one with pits!) places in the barrels. A good bore scope exam will see pitting that you won't see peering down the barrel as well. I think there is a fair number of guns that have been severely honed trying to clean them up for sale. They look smooth and shiny but a micrometer and exam say no! Might save a new owner a big disappointment. Certainly has saved my bacon.