First Damascus

[Bernie Cross]

I became involved with Parkers a few years ago and have VH in 12 & 20. I was at a favorite LGS a few weeks ago, where I found my 1st VH, and saw a beautiful GH that has been nicely restored. The undocumented story is the case was done by Turnbull and I’ve been told the colors are very correct. The barrels and bores are excellent, chokes are Mod & Full. Desire over ruled common sense and I bought it.
I have several classic doubles and have a low pressure load for them. For the Damascus I have dropped back to 16.9gr of Tite-Wad under 7/8oz of shot. Pressure should be @1200 fps at just under 7200psi. Is this a load that the more experienced Damascus shooter accept as a safe starting point? I will use it for some sporting clays& 5 Stand though I am ordering some spreader wads in hopes of opening it up as best possible.
I hope to be able to post some pictures soon.

[Dean Romig]

That load sounds quite appropriate fot the GH.
Have you had the chamber and barrel wall thicknesses measured? I would.

Yes, pictures would be nice.

Welcome to the joys of shooting Damascus!





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[Bernie Cross]

I have not had the chambers checked beyond confirming they have been set for 2 3/4" shells. I had a smith look it over but he is not experienced with classic doubles and would only go as far as saying it looks very good IHO. He also recounted most of the terrifying wives tales about Damascus guns.
I do not plan on actually firing it until I have the wall thickness measured. I have decided to invest in gauges since this now makes seven pre WWII doubles in my cabinet. Unfortunately, Brownell's has them back ordered.

[Dean Romig]

Good.

The chambers being 2 3/4” are likely not how the gun iriginally left Meriden. When chambers are lengthened the wall thickness can be compromised at the juncture of the chamber and the beginning of the forcing cone. This can be the most critical spot in the length of the barrel.





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[Bernie Cross]

It was definitely a two and a half chamber when made. the serial numbers checks to 1902.
Someone spent a considerable sum on a restoration at some point. I've been told that the case colors are very correct for a Parker and the claim that it was done by Turnbull was believable.
I am requesting a letter on it from the Association.

[Garth Gustafson]

That’s a great find. What gauge is it?

[Bernie Cross]

Originally Posted by Garth Gustafson

That’s a great find. What gauge is it?

12ga
I've largely given up on 12s and shoot 20 & 28 75% of the time.
The 12ga load I have for the old SxS is so soft it feels like a 20. But it works on clays and preserve birds quit well.

[Garth Gustafson]

What Dean said. Your loads are well within Parker’s recommended service pressure limits and should be fine as long as barrel wall thickness forward of the chambers is adequate. As this is a 12 ga, there probably is plenty of metal left in that critical area. Best of luck with your new gun.