Strength of Guns
Many times I have read on the forum not to use modern shot shells in older Parker guns. Usually it is stated the wood is older or oil soaked and the metal may not be up to the strength of more modern firearms. Obviously using a 2 ¾ or 3 inch 12 gauge magnum shell in a gun with Damascus barrels produced in 1880 is a definite No No. So too, would be using a 3 ½ inch Federal 10 gauge in a Damascus barreled 2 7/8 inch chambered gun. But I am thinking that after the 1920’s and 30’s there were magnum shells being produced in 12 gauge and I can’t but think that the Parker Company would have kept abreast of those developments to allow the stronger shells to be fired in their guns.
I am not suggesting anyone shoot shells in their gun that they don’t want to shoot by any means. My one and only Parker so far is a 12 gauge GH made in 1928. The only shells I have shot through it so far and probably ever will are 1 or 1 1/8th ounce loads. Possibly if I ever get the chance to use it on wild pheasants or turkey I may opt for 1 1/4 ounce loads. However they would be few and far between. I guess my question is has anyone ever really had problems of wood cracking or other stock problems right after using more powerful shells or is the thought to simply err on the side of caution to keep the guns as nice as possible due to their age?
Please accept this as a simple question of curiosity and possibly to generate some discussion. Believe me I am not on either side of this question as I normally hunt upland game using a 20 gauge and 7/8th ounce loads and do well.
Dennis
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