[Austin W Hogan]

It is not certain when the "nut borer" was first used to cut Parker chokes. This device was used from sometime in the 4 digit serial range until production ceased in Meriden. When production resumed in Ilion, Remington barrels were choked with fixed reamers.

The nut borer was used to ream chokes "to deliver" a selected pattern density. I have Bil Furnish bore measurements on hand. The ten ga guns with s/n less than 1000 have Birmingham proof and no choke. 1775 is not noted as to proof, but has no choke. 2299 is a B grade with .796 bore and .782 muzzle. s/n 5093 is an A grade with .795 bore and .777 muzzle. The smallest bore lifter 10 bore listed is 14374 with .785 bore and .763 muzzle.

I have 3297 which is a 7 lb 14 oz trap gun, $135 grade; bore .783; muzzle .772. These barrels are very thin to make the less than 8 pounds overall. S/n 6197 is a heavy T0 grade; bore .800+ muzzles.765. The latest ten which I have is an NH 140751 which is .780 x .754 both sides. The latest hammer ten is 55036, .794 x .765 both sides.

The earliest letter I have with a pattern count is 3920.

Best, Austin