Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Ericksen
Hi,
Is there a way to tell if a dam. bbl. (circa 1922) was proofed for nitro?
Thanks
Bill E.
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TPS provides information about how barrels were proofed. As in many Parker matters, much can be learned from TPS. By around 1900, the changeover to nitro pattern loads was complete. Original hang tags and often a research letter provides patterning information with powder used, but not proof, as bulk nitro ( Woods) is assumed. A 1922 barrel likely has never seen a black powder load. Black powder was phased out beginning in about 1895 , resulting in many cartridge changes such as the .30 cal US of 1906, .45 ACP, etc.
Later damascus barrels, circa 1927 will be stamped "Overload Proved" as the SAAMI standards became widely adopted. Parker didn't changed a thing, as they already met them.
Not that it really matter much, because the bulk nitro and later progressive burning smokeless powders provided a broader pressure profile than black. That's why many of the guns from the black era had massive chamber walls, to withstand the sharper pressure profile of black.