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
|