barrel I.D.

[David Lampman]

Hi guys,
First time poster here. I'm new to Parkers but have been collecting other guns for many years. My father recently passed and I inherited a 1907 Parker G grade on a #2 action in 12 gauge with Vulcan steel barrels. It is very well used on the outside with no case colors left and the checkering on the stock is nearly all worn off. But it is sound and tight with matching numbers.
My first question to you Parker guys (one of many I'm sure) is about the barrels. They measure 25" in length. I'm told they have been cut. If they were it wasn't by buba as they are perfectly perpendicular to the barrel sides and show a radius on the outside. But the bore measures .720 at the choke end. By the charts I have, .720 is the improved cylinder measurement. According to my charts .730 is the inside diameter for 12 ga. So, the question is, are Parker bores of this vintage .720 or are they the standard 12 ga. I.D. of .730. Or do I have a factory 25" with improved chokes? I'm fairly sure they are cut but I thought I'd ask the experts.
TIA
Dave

[OH Osthaus]

If you could share the serial number. We can see if it is in the "book" and if so verify the original length

[David Lampman]

I'd be glad to. It's 145848

[Double Lab]

It looks as if your gun left the factory with 28" damascus barrels. If the numbers on the barrels match the numbers on the receiver ,then there is a good chance that the gun was sent back to Parker to have new barrels fitted. A lettter on your gun might give you more info. Check the "Research Letter" heading on our home page and it will tell you if info is available. If you join PGCA the letter will only cost $40. Non-member rate is $100. All can be done online. Good luck with your search and welcome David.

David, I just checked and there surviving records for your gun.

[Dean Romig]

Parker Bros. would (always) insert steel 'keels' under the top and bottom ribs, even when shortening a set of barrels at the customer's request. Look for those keels to be visible at the muzzle. If there is only lead solder filling those triangular voids it is a safe bet the work was not done by Parker.

[David Lampman]

Thanks for the replies and great info guys. I'll check to see if there are steel keels inserted today and I'll post back. The serial numbers do match. I guess that the barrels must have been replaced if it came with Damascus barrels. As I said, these barrels are marked Vulcan steel and they fit and lock up perfectly. Does anyone have an answer to the question of bore size?
Dave

[Double Lab]

David, your bore diameter should be .730, +/- .001 or so.

[Dean Romig]

Nominal 12 gauge bore diameter is .729".

[David Lampman]

Ok, then is there a explanation for these barrels measuring .720 at the choke end? Which is the I.D. of a improved choke. I mean if the barrels were cut wouldn't the bore measure .730 at the business end? I'm beginning to think that Parker changed these barrels out at sometime because
1) the serial numbers match even though it came with Damascus and now has Vulcan steel barrels.
2) The lock up and fit are perfect.
3) The bore end is square and has radius on the outside edge.
Would Parker have stamped any codes anywhere if they did do the work, if in fact any work was done by them?
Dave

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Originally Posted by David Lampman

Ok, then is there a explanation for these barrels measuring .720 at the choke end? Which is the I.D. of a improved choke. I mean if the barrels were cut wouldn't the bore measure .730 at the business end?

Hi David,

Parker choke constrictions were often 4" long and something as much as 6" from start to muzzle. Cutting 3" off the subject barrels would likely leave about .010" constriction. If you do not agree then measure a couple hundred bores at every 1/4" and log those measurements into a spreadsheet as I have done.

Since you haven't measured the inside diameter you DO NOT know what the choke constriction is. The bores could have been honed of reamed making the bore diameter larger than ~ .729". The constriction is the difference between the bore diameter and the muzzle diameter which creates a venturi effect. Shot squirts through a constricted muzzle much like water squirts through the end of a garden hose with constriction devise attached.

You might consider attending a SxS shoot in your area or asking if there are any PGCA members who love close enough to you for you to visit them. A member might be able to help you with your gun.

Your gun is an heirloom and thus should have value to you and your family. Enjoy it as part of something long ago passed on to another generation.

Good luck!
Mark