Frank:
One of our seldom seen PGCA members has a later Remington-Parker VHE 12 GA chambered and marked "3-in" chambers. At one time he had considered selling it, but now is off the radar screen. If he can be contacted again, I will ask about his frame size and possibly get him to do some measurement checks for all interested
As you may know, I am the present owner of the Parker Bros. VHE 2 7/8 inch gun that belonged to you then Reggie, through Mike K. -I believe. It is the same gun that graced the Winter 2021 issue of Parker Pages so well described by yourself.
Under the heading "all things come to those who have patience", I have recently manged to obtain an Ithaca Flues straight-stocked 12 that has 3 in chambers. Also recent and in the running is a 1924 LC Smith Long Range Field grade, with straight stock, much case color and original barrel finish remaining-with wood checked. So with the Super and another Long Range Smith, I have managed to corner a representative collection of American duck, goose and turkey artillery pieces. Excellent "bird guns".
Another tangent but related subject that I am doing research on is modern lead shot shell performance, along with non-toxic shell attributes, usage within these shotguns at the century mark. While the actions of these double guns may handle some reduced velocity/ pressures of modern offerings, the aged walnut stock material certainly was not made to handle the higher velocity loads of some of today's tungsten or bismuth loads.
Would that the DGJ was present to publish articles keeping our double gun aficionados
constantly current on the realties of modern shot shell velocities.
The era of John Olin's 1920's Super-X shells has passed. With shot column technology, non-toxic heavy shot, and increased performance-based commercial research:
We truly have 3-inch guns from another era, that can CHAMBER 3-inch shot shells, but
caveat emptor as to which ones are safe in our guns. And is it realistic to safely expect the same levels of performance-or greater- in 100-year old shotguns?
The Model 12 Heavy Duck guns may see more use than ever expected-as velocities approach 1500 fps in modern loaded shells. ( We do have RST and Boss, however.)
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