Federal Game Shok 12ga 2 3/4" in 1926 Trojan

[Joe from MO]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

Jerry is correct in one sense that the head of the stock is most at risk but not from pressure. It's from excessive recoil. Pressure has nothing to do with recoil. Personally I think the 1 1/8 load using 7 1/2's would be all you need Joseph and I'd stay away from the 1 1/4oz load. That's pretty stiff. Buy some 1 1/8oz trap loads with good hard shot. That would be a 3 dram load @ 1200fps. More than enough to kill a bird.

So 1 1/8 at 1250 fps preferred over 1 1/4 at 1220?

I do have some federal Ultra target loads that are pretty close to what you described.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Joseph Sheerin

So 1 1/8 at 1250 fps preferred over 1 1/4 at 1220?

I do have some federal Ultra target loads that are pretty close to what you described.

I repeat- 1 1/8oz at 1200fps is all you will need. The Federal target loads should do fine as long as they are 7 1/2 or 6.

[James L. Martin]

For a 12ga Daryl is right, the best load you can shoot would be a High end trap load. 3-1 1/8-7 1/2. I like AA or Federal paper ,as long as 7 1/2 works for the bird you are hunting.

[Randy Roberts]

Joe have you had your barrels measured by someone qualified to do so to determine the critical measurements needed in order to determine what type of load may or may not be safe to shoot in your gun. In my mind if this has not been done you will never be able to determine what is truly safe to shoot in your gun.

[Joe from MO]

Originally Posted by Randy G Roberts

Joe have you had your barrels measured by someone qualified to do so to determine the critical measurements needed in order to determine what type of load may or may not be safe to shoot in your gun. In my mind if this has not been done you will never be able to determine what is truly safe to shoot in your gun.

I don't know anyone around me that even does that..... The gun appears to be in excellent shape, still very tight, very little metal wear, etc. Just looks like it's been held a bit, because of way the patina on the receiver has developed.....

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Joseph Sheerin

I don't know anyone around me that even does that..... The gun appears to be in excellent shape, still very tight, very little metal wear, etc. Just looks like it's been held a bit, because of way the patina on the receiver has developed.....

All the more reason to proceed with moderate loads. Randy gives good advice. Maybe another member your area could help with inspection.
Good luck.

[Randy Roberts]

While the outside appearance of your gun being original may lead you to believe the barrels have not been altered that is not always the case. I would urge you to consider having the barrels measured. I see that you are from the St. Charles, MO area so maybe a member can reply with information on a gunsmith in your area that could measure your bores. You might also consider going to the home page and looking in the Parker FAQ's section and then search under "need a gunsmith" which is a section devoted to gunsmiths the members have used and would recommend. You might find someone there.