Parker VH 20 gauge chamer lengths

[George Neal]

I'd appreciate your input on what was considered the "standard" chamber length for 20-gauge Parker VH's in the 1920's. Also, what chamber lengths were available for 20's during that time? My VH is a 26" barrel with 2 1/2" chambers.
I have "The Parker Story," but I've been unable to find it in that source.
Your comments will be much appreciated.

[Drew Hause]

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=27187

[Cold Spring]

Just for info an unmolested 20b VH Parker s/n 2343xx dated 1930 has 2-7/16" chambers as measured with my precision plug gauge.

[Drew Hause]

My 1924 Trojan chamber length was also 2 7/16"

[Mike Poindexter]

I have a 1929 LC Smith field Grade 20 that has 2 3/8" chambers. Its the one gun I will not shoot with anything but 2 1/2" shells.

[Drew Hause]

With what gauge did you measure that chamber length Mike?



Hunter Arms lengthened the 20g chambers to 2 3/4" about 1936.

[Researcher]

My 1930 VH 20-gauge has the 2 3/8-inch chambers intended for the 2 1/2-inch shells.

235178 11.JPG

My oft posted comment on measuring chambers --

Chamber depth is considered to be the distance between the breech end of the barrels and the joint between the chamber body itself and the forcing cone, which reduces down to bore diameter. This is loosely based on the length of the "Fired" shell. Today, theoretically when the crimp opens on the shell being fired the end would land at the junction of the chamber and cone. Prior to WW-II many companies had the practice of holding the chamber about 1/8 inch shorter than the shell for which it was intended. Fly in the ointment is nominal measurements often differ from actual ones in both chambers and shells. A very good method I have found of measuring chambers without much outlay of cash, and is quite accurate enough for virtually any situation, is a common 6" flexible machinist's scale which you likely have. Hold the barrels with muzzles toward a light source, not necessarily a concentrated one a window is great, while looking into the breech and the cone will be thrown in a shadow. May have to move the barrels around a little until it is distinct. While still looking into the chamber simply slide the scale in until you observe the end coming flush with the shadow line & mark position of breech end with your thumb. Remove and read the scale. I usually repeat this a few times to insure I am getting a consistent reading, but you will be amazed how accurate this can be done. While I own a Galazan chamber gauge, I use this more often than not. The chamber body itself has a taper of about .005" per inch. Sometimes chambers were cut with slightly worn reamers giving a slight undersize chamber. If the chamber is a bit undersize a gauge made to "industry" standards will not go in to the true depth of the chamber. A.H. Fox Gun Co. shotguns are known for having tight chambers. The machinist’s scale method can be more accurate.

[Keavin Nelson]

I had a 20GA PH with 2 1/2" chambers. The gun would not close on a 2 3/4" shell.