Parker Research Letter and Pattern Information

[Pa SxS]

From the earliest Parker Catalogs/Price Lists to 1904, Parker recommended 1 1/8 oz loads for 12ga guns and not dependent on the weight of the gun.

In the 1926 catalog it states, "We target all guns on 30-in circle, 40 yds. with proper loads for the gauge of the gun, using standard factory loads."

Also in the 1926 or 1927 catalog, Parker lists standard 12 gauge shotgun loads. Depending on the birds being shot, the largest weight of shot recommended was for large geese using 1 1/4 oz of shot, most other birds were using 1 1/8 oz and a few were recommended at 1 oz of shot.

Just a guess but unless the buyer specified a certain size shot, powder, and or shot weight, they used 1 1/8 oz of shot for patterning.

Interesting that the D lifter I just bought, the buyer wanted the gun targeted with #6 shot. The stock book shows they used #8. Interesting!

[Bill Murphy]

It is probably common for an order to specify one load and the stock book entry list another load. My 216,000 series 12 gauge VH was patterned with 1 1/4 ounce loads. I have brought the old thread about the same subject to the top so we can reread it and answer some questions.