Parker VH 1904

[Bill Murphy]

Ron, you have an extremely high condition VH grade Parker. About one in one hundred 1904 VH grade Parkers have as much original finish as yours does. It doesn't seem to be anyone's restock judging by the wood fit at the receiver. Parker chambers meant for 2 3/4" shells are generally cut to 2 5/8" by factory blueprints. There is no need to deepen them. What a shotgun.

[Ron Jamieson]

I looked through the rest of the pics again, it has a pistol grip with really nice checkering, I noticed a metal shield on bottom of butt stock, brass front bead, it has vulcan steel barrels, that look extremely nice,(however photo's can be deceiving). Wood definately looks to have good figure. I'll describe more accurately once I have it in my hands. Thanks Ron

[Researcher]

This has been posted by others before, but I've saved it for reuse --

Chamber depth is considered to be the distance between the breech end of the barrels and the joint between the chamber body itself and the forcing cone, which reduces down to bore diameter. This is loosely based on the length of the "Fired" shell. Today, theoretically when the crimp opens on the shell being fired the end would land at the junction of the chamber and cone. Prior to WW-II many companies had the practice of holding the chamber about 1/8 inch shorter than the shell for which it was intended. Fly in the ointment is nominal measurements often differ from actual ones in both chambers and shells. A very good method I have found of measuring chambers without much outlay of cash, and is quite accurate enough for virtually any situation, is a common 6" flexible machinist's scale which you likely have. Hold the barrels with muzzles toward a light source, not necessarily a concentrated one a window is great, while looking into the breech and the cone will be thrown in a shadow. May have to move the barrels around a little until it is distinct. While still looking into the chamber simply slide the scale in until you observe the end coming flush with the shadow line & mark position of breech end with your thumb. Remove and read the scale. I usually repeat this a few times to insure I am getting a consistent reading, but you will be amazed how accurate this can be done. While I own a Galazan chamber gauge, I use this more often than not. The chamber body itself has a taper of about .005" per inch. Sometimes chambers were cut with slightly worn reamers giving a slight undersize chamber. If the chamber is a bit undersize a gauge made to "industry" standards will not go in to the true depth of the chamber. A.H. Fox Gun Co. shotguns are known for having tight chambers. The machinist’s scale method can be more accurate.

[Ron Jamieson]

thanks I have a machinist rule, Custom Knifemaker

[Ruff Hunter]

Ron,
Order yourself a case of RST's 2 1/2" shells, even if your Parker is capable of safely shooting 2 3/4" loads. The RST shells aren't overly expensive, and I think you will find that shooting an "obsolete" length shell in a vintage gun only adds to the nostalgia and enjoyment, without giving up any noticeable performance.

[Ron Jamieson]

That is probably exactly what I'm going to do. Thanks Ron

[Ron Jamieson]

Does anyone know of anyone making the leg of mutton case?

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by Ron Jamieson

Does anyone know of anyone making the leg of mutton case?

Sure. Google Robert Cochrane and/or Bud Shaul. Both make fine, high quality, new leg of mutton cases.

[Ron Jamieson]

UPS is going to deliver today, worse than Christmas. Will post condition as soon as I unwrap it.

[Parkerman]

Leg o Mutton cases come up for sale periodically, particularly on our "for sale" section. I believe that joining the PGCA allows you to participate in that benefit.