Remington Barrel Steel
 

I see there has been a few posts in the past regarding the steel in the various grades of Parkers. Does anyone know, were the later Remington barrels with the plain/no address rib included in that study? I assume Remington ran out of Meriden made barrels at some point and made barrels at Ilion after. Does Parker advertising circa 1940 discuss the barrel steel? I have a 1940 VHE that lacks the circle and barrel letter grade on the flat. One possibility is the steel is equivalent to a contemporary M11 or M31, any thoughts?

Great question. I would venture a guess they used Remington Steel or possibly Ordnance steel.

Like most Parker questions , The Parker Story provides the answer. The chapter on Barrels and chokes states that Remington ordnance steel was used. Other sources reveal the composition of Remington ordnance steel.

The Parker Story is necessary information for any person having an interest in Parker shot guns.

The barrels of both the Remington Autoloading Shotgun and the Remington Repeating Shotgun and later the Models 11 and 10 were stated to be Remington Steel. They continued to mention Remington Steel in the catalogs through the 1923. After that they don't mention the barrel steel. Ordnance Steel was offered as an option for about $5 extra.

Attachment 100968

Attachment 100969

Mention of Ordnance steel seems to have disappeared before WW-I.

whats the difference between ordance steel and Remington steel... charlie

My guess is SAE 4130. Alloy steels became popular prior to WW1 in the auto industry. Weapon manufacturers used it in there products including Fox during the war. Fox had a surplus of barrel steel post WW1 which they called Cromax which was believed to be SAE 4130. 4130 is 20-30% stronger than 1020, cost was acceptable, and was plentiful in the 1930's as the airplane industry used great quantities. I do not think the purchasing agents at Remington would have been willing to order a variety of steels for a low volume product such as Parkers. Use what we have!

Craig: A.H. Fox introduced “Chromox High Pressure Fluid Steel” for graded guns in 1912. Dave probably has a catalog description; as "chrome-nickel and vanadium steel."

https://photos.smugmug.com/US-Makers...0Fox%201-L.jpg

An A.H. Fox Gun Co. ad in 1911 Shields’ Magazine states “all small parts are Chrome Nickel Steel”
https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?...=392&skin=2021

Drew thanks for the correction on the date and the correct spelling of Chromax. Bill Joliff here is a chance for you to contribute your Fox knowledge.

Here is the barrel flat of the subject gun. Note, no circle or letter indicating the steel grade. The date code in the second picture “KJ” is 1940. Since it lacks a steel grade letter stamp, can we think this is Ordnance Steel, per the book? What are your thoughts?

As a counterpoint, I did see a 1940-41 date code replacement barrel on a 2 frame on a recent GB listing with the circle and “OV” on a PH, marked G on the left side of the lump.

This gun still has a 2 5/8” gauged chamber length, despite being marked for 2 3/4” shells.