"Twist" vs. "Plain Twist"

[Bill Murphy]

I didn't even try to decipher Reverend Drew's links. I am tired from stacking wood and just can't do it. However, twist is twist in Parker shotguns, in my opinion. Unless you are as interested in details as much as Drew and I are, it just doesn't make much if any difference. Again, in my opinion, "twist" no matter what the exact description, is safe to shoot with proper loads if in good condition with good wall thickness.

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

"Twist Barrels" include several different variations and qualities. The best quality Twiwt seems to be "English Twist", made in Belgium. These tubes exibit the highest wire count with the least Butt welds. Baker used these tubes extensively.
Parker twist barrels are very high quality. The lower wire count was compensated by barrel wall thickness.
A major factor that we consider in rating twist quality is annular pitting. When pitting follows the weld lines it would indicate to me poor welds or lower quality Iron. This type of pitting is prevelant in stub twist and lower quality tubes.
The major manufacturers used the best quality, lesser manufacturers poor quality tubes. You got what you paid for.

Brad

[Drew Hause]

"You got what you paid for."

Well said and THAT would be the bottom line - pattern welded barrel quality should be evaluated based on the quality of the gun.

[Jeff Mayhew]

Originally Posted by Drew Hause

"You got what you paid for."

Well said and THAT would be the bottom line - pattern welded barrel quality should be evaluated based on the quality of the gun.

Thanks guys. This is consistent with a conversation I had a while back with a collector friend of mine (who is far more knowledgeable about these old guns than I am) about whether my old coach gun could be safely fired with light BP shells. After some discussion about barrel composition & thickness, bore conditions and lockup, he asked "What make of gun is it?" When I said "Parker" his response was "Oh, then you shouldn't have any problems with it."

Once again, my appreciation for your expert input. Great forum!

[Roundsworth]

Here is an example of Baker twist on my 1893 'New Baker' 10 gauge.

[Roundsworth]

These are 1877 (possibly Parker-made) 'Plain Twist' barrels restored by Mr. Bachelder.