3 inch chambered 12 gauge

[Mike Bartlett]

For those interested in 3 in chambered 12 ga. Parkers for use in the field, i.e. Turkey and Waterfowl, they can be produced from low-grade, 2-frame 12 Parkers. Presently, we have Ten (10) 2-frame 12 VH & Trojans with 30 in barrels that have had the chambers lengthened to 3 in and forcing cones appropriately tapered. And, all passed proof-testing with 3 in magnum proof shells--18,000+ pressure loads. Vulcan steel and Trojan Steel barrels from serial numbers 91,6xx to 228,1xx passed the proofing; all 10, 2-frame with barrels with weights from 4-1 to 4-4; no ring-bulges. Master Gunsmith Ed Lander, NH, measured the wall thickness first prior to chamber lengthening and proofing. These guns were not designed to be 3-in, as the Delgrego's point out, since original 3-in barrels have more steel and little to no taper/swamping at the breech. However, the steel in V-Grade and Trojan grade guns is very hard and strong. Larry, Jr has found that it takes 4 hours to polish V and Trojan barrels and only 2 hours for Peerless prior to re-bluing; very hard steel. Obviously, the steel is different--which is a big contention in Parker discussions. However, the proof is in the proof-testing. Installing a 4 in Edwards mercury reducer and fitting with a good recoil pad brings the weight of these guns to 8 1/2 pounds and they still balance slightly back of the hinge pin. I have been using a steel barreled P-grade 3 in 12 as well as two sleeved/mono-blocked by LeFever Mag 10 Parkers for years turkey and waterfowl hunting. So, for those interested in an unavailable 3-in 12 Parker original, if you can procure proof-loads, one can be had. Note: Ed just used his last 3 in proof shells on an original 2-frame Trojan 12 that was sent to Remington in 1953 for reconditioning-barrels re-blued, re-cased and stock refinished; barrel flats marked RRR-3, No. 2281xx.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Michael Bartlett

For those interested in 3 in chambered 12 ga. Parkers for use in the field, i.e. Turkey and Waterfowl, they can be produced from low-grade, 2-frame 12 Parkers. Presently, we have Ten (10) 2-frame 12 VH & Trojans with 30 in barrels that have had the chambers lengthened to 3 in and forcing cones appropriately tapered. And, all passed proof-testing with 3 in magnum proof shells--18,000+ pressure loads. Vulcan steel and Trojan Steel barrels from serial numbers 91,6xx to 228,1xx passed the proofing; all 10, 2-frame with barrels with weights from 4-1 to 4-4; no ring-bulges. Master Gunsmith Ed Lander, NH, measured the wall thickness first prior to chamber lengthening and proofing. These guns were not designed to be 3-in, as the Delgrego's point out, since original 3-in barrels have more steel and little to no taper/swamping at the breech. However, the steel in V-Grade and Trojan grade guns is very hard and strong. Larry, Jr has found that it takes 4 hours to polish V and Trojan barrels and only 2 hours for Peerless prior to re-bluing; very hard steel. Obviously, the steel is different--which is a big contention in Parker discussions. However, the proof is in the proof-testing. Installing a 4 in Edwards mercury reducer and fitting with a good recoil pad brings the weight of these guns to 8 1/2 pounds and they still balance slightly back of the hinge pin. I have been using a steel barreled P-grade 3 in 12 as well as two sleeved/mono-blocked by LeFever Mag 10 Parkers for years turkey and waterfowl hunting. So, for those interested in an unavailable 3-in 12 Parker original, if you can procure proof-loads, one can be had. Note: Ed just used his last 3 in proof shells on an original 2-frame Trojan 12 that was sent to Remington in 1953 for reconditioning-barrels re-blued, re-cased and stock refinished; barrel flats marked RRR-3, No. 2281xx.

To each there own, they are your guns to do with as you please, as far as I am concerned all that was accomplished is the ruination of some V's and Trojans.

[Bill Murphy]

The Lefever monobloc ten gauges are wonderful guns. I own one in DH grade.