Tom:
I wondered the same thing when I had my Parkers "lettered." Based on my math, I have some fairly open choked guns ! However, upon shooting quality loads (RST Falcon Ultra-Lites and Polywad Vintagers) - I was breaking clay birds like never before. ! (Trap shooting.)
So, what I found is this: My guns shoot approx. IC patterns with old-fasioned fiber wad shells. (No modern shot cup/wad columns.) They are great for close game. But, when I shoot the aforementioned modern loads, I get modified (or possibly even full) choke performance. The only way to tell is to shoot the gun. Try a round of trap when you get it back. Shoot both barrels & compare. If you can hit at trap consistently, odds are you're getting at least modified patterns. Of course, to shoot at a pattern board will tell you exactly what your patterns are like, but I hate counting all those little holes. I like to shoot at paper at close range (10 yards) to check for point of impact - you may need to adjust the drop of the stock. (My 10 g. Parker needed the 5/8" comb pad). {It's a slip-on neoprene "sock" with foam inserts. It does detract from the "vintage appeal" of the gun, but it is nice to throw a pattern where you want it to go !}
What I'm planning for the fall is this: A fiber wad shell (RST or RMC B.P.) in the right barrel (for a wide pattern) and a RST or Polywad shell in the left barrel (for a longer-ranging pattern). Bear in mind that Polywad offers spreader loads for open-choke performance from tightly choked barrels...
Enjoy !
John
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