New Member with Old Questions

[Adrian Avenni]

Hi, I am a new member living in Maine. I recently joined a sporting clays group, using my 16-gauge Remington Sportsman. As my interest has increased along with the cost of using 16-gauge shells, I am considering using the 12-gauge Parker that was my father’s. The gun was well taken care of and used only for rabbit and pheasant hunting. That has led to questions regarding the Parker.

One pertains to the length of shells it was designed to accept. According to information posted on the Parker website, the gun was made in 1926 (serial number 217040). I am almost certain my father used 2 ¾ inch shells but can’t find any that I packed away. Does anyone know when Parker stopped making guns for the shorter loads? (Looking into the breech of the gun and taking a crude measurement, the chamber appears to be about four inches long.)

The other question for now is the grade of the Parker. Immediately above the serial number are the stamped letters VM. Below the serial number is a V. There is little ornamentation on the gun so I imagine it is not a “high grade” gun. It is a fine specimen nonetheless.

Thanks!
Adrian Aveni

[Joe from MO]

yea, your gun is a VH and originally came with 30" barrels.

I have a VH from 1927, it has 2 3/4" chambers. I normally shoot the Herters low recoil loads out of it for trap and such.

[Big D]

A hillbilly measurement technique is to take a small machinists rule, and slide it in the breech end of the barrels, keeping the side of the rule on the wall of the chamber. Slowly slide it forward until the tip of the ruler encounters the end of the chamber and light will appear between the rule and the chamber. Read the rule, and you know the chamber depth.

[Adrian Avenni]

Thanks to Big D and Jo for your information. Lots to learn.