Parker Shotgun Gauge History On Shell Sizes

[Researcher]

Virtually from the beginning of cartridge shotguns, our manufacturers offered both brass and paper shotgun cases in a variety of lengths. By the 1890s when our big ammunition manufacturers began offering factory loaded paper shotgun shells, 12-gauge shells were offered in 2 5/8, 2 3/4, 2 7/8, 3 and 3 1/4 inch lengths; and 20-gauge in 2 1/2, 2 3/4, 2 7/8 and 3 inch lengths. Generally speaking, the heaviest loads offered could be had in the 2 3/4 inch cases, and the advantage of the longer cases was more and better wadding.

The first big cartridge length thing was that Winchester's Model 1893 was made to function with 2 5/8 inch 12-gauge shells, so in four years they upgraded it to the Model 1897 which was made for 2 3/4 inch 12-gauge shells. When Remington Arms Co. introduced their John M. Browning designed Remington Autoloading Shotgun in 1905, it was made for 2 3/4 inch 12-gauge shells as was their John D. Pedersen designed Remington Repeating Shotgun introduced in late 1908. The next year the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. introduced their No. 520 John M. Browning designed pump made for 2 3/4 inch 12-gauge shells.

Winchester then introducing their Model 12 pump for a 2 1/2 inch 20-gauge shell makes one wonder. When Remington Arms Co., Inc. introduced their John M. Browning designed Model 17 20-gauge pump it was made for the 2 3/4 inch shell.

The Brothers P certainly offered their customers whatever chamber length they requested. I have a WW-I era 20-gauge for 3-inch shells and my 1930 vintage VH-Grade has the 2 3/8 inch chambers intended for 2 1/2 inch shells.

[George Neal]

I have a brass chamber gauge from Galazan and it clearly pegs my Parker 20 VH at 2 1/2". I buy my shells from RST, but with shortages, getting them can be a real challenge, even buying them by the flats. Thus far I've resisted the urge to find a competent gunsmith to have the chamber lengthened to 2 3/4," but it sure would be easier to find fuel for it when I need it. The cost difference of the shells is another enticement, but since I don't plan on using it for more than the occasional quail hunt, I'm ok with that.
I'm a big believer in using a product in the way it was designed and intended to be used (hence not reaming out the chambers on this one), and I would NEVER shoot a shell much longer than the chamber length in any gun, especially not one this old and valuable.
I appreciate everyone's input, but my question is very simple. In the 1920's, if I contacted Parker and asked to buy their "standard" 20-gauge, what length would the chambers be?
Thanks much.