Chamber length

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Pete Lester

8ga - 3 1/4" chambers for 3 1/4" shells.

10ga - 2 7/8" chambers for 2 7/8" shells.

12ga - 2 5/8" chambers for 2 3/4" shells.

Why the inconsistency?

Were the 8 and 10 gauge chambers cut for brass shells or paper?

The 2 5/8" chambers were for 2 3/4" paper shells, allowing for 1/8" of the paper shell to open into the cone for a superior gas seal.






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[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Were the 8 and 10 gauge chambers cut for brass shells or paper?

The 2 5/8" chambers were for 2 3/4" paper shells, allowing for 1/8" of the paper shell to open into the cone for a superior gas seal.


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I have owned 4 Short Tens, Parker, Remington, Lefever, from 1893 to 1905. The Parker from 1893 had square chambers, the others from 1900-1905 are tapered. All measured 2 7/8"

I still believe guns were chambered for a particular shell and marketing was used to tell the customer it could be used with another shell length and work just fine. I also think when it is difference of 1/8 inch collector/shooters fret too much about it in both directions (OMG my chambers are short, or OMG my chambers were lengthened). The focus should be on barrel wall thickness of each particular gun and shooting lower pressure loads when possible, but that is just me.