2 5/8" Chambers, 1927 VH? What shells?

[24 grams]

Originally Posted by Dave Noreen

A Parker Bros. 12-gauge with chambers that measure 2 5/8 inches is intended for 2 3/4 inch shells. Being from 1927, such a gun, in sound condition, should handle any SAAMI spec, lead, 2 3/4 inch 12-gauge shell. Whether 93 year old wood is up to that may be another question.

Since the introduction of progressive burning powder, high velocity, loads in 1922, the great bulk of these old guns have digested many boxcar loads of them. I'm sure my Grandfather's heavy 1890 vintage PH-Grade that my Father was using at King Lake in 1932, digested lots of them.

Attachment 85235

What a great photo! It really tells a story.

[Jeff Christie]

Ammunition is the least expensive item in our sport. A few bucks a box is meaningless in the cost equation. Buy what you like and practice with it to gain needed confidence. You can not go wrong with RST.

[24 grams]

Originally Posted by Jeff Christie

Ammunition is the least expensive item in our sport. A few bucks a box is meaningless in the cost equation. Buy what you like and practice with it to gain needed confidence. You can not go wrong with RST.

Agreed.
I just ordered two flats yesterday, and they shipped today. Great service.

[24 grams]

Originally Posted by Sam Carpenter

I also plan to pheasant hunt and would like advice for proper loads to treat the gun correctly please. I am not sure if I should go up to 1 1/4oz? Sorry so many questions. Thank you.

Why would you do that to yourself and your gun?

It is just so much more pleasurable to drop a rooster like a sack of potatoes with a 1 ounce, or better yet, 7/8 ounce load.

Light loads are far more effective than many give them credit for. It's easier on you and your gun. And I think it makes a man a better shooter, when a gun is a pleasure to shoot, not a punishing experience.

The farthest shot I ever made on a pheasant was with a 7/8 ounce hand load from a hundred year old Dickson boxlock. Granted, it was a crosser, but still....

I am all about using the lightest load that will kill (or break targets) effectively.

[Researcher]

What I've always liked about that photo is the live decoy standing down in the lower right. My Father and Uncles referred to them as "Dad's English Call Ducks."

[24 grams]

I saw that too. That's part of the story. Very interesting. That picture tells a lot!

[William Davis]

Target load off the shelf Winchester AA light is effective. Plus you get quality hulls for reloading.

Following good advice by others, tight choked gun like yours lighter shot loads put plenty of pellets on birds. Size and number of pellets that strike the bird is what counts. 7/8 or 1 oz & chose size according to the game.

Willam