2&3/4 inch chamber

[Loren A Wilcox]

What year did Parker start 2&3/4 inch chambers on 20 gauge shotguns?

[Bruce Day]

With certainty, 1985.

You might find a few in the late 1930’s, but then they were commonly 2 5/8”. Before the 30’s , 2 9/16.”.

Have you checked the chambers table in TPS Barrels chapter ?

Is this of importance to you and if so , why?

Present SAAMI standard extended case length 20ga is 2 5/8 to 2 3/4. The standard was extended in the 1950’s and proof and working pressure standards were increased.

[Researcher]

The Remington era Parker specification sheets reproduced on pages 164 to 169 of The Parker Story call for the "normal" Parker 20-gauge chamber to be 2 5/8 inch intended for the 2 3/4 inch shell. "Other chamber depths optional"

During the years that Parker Bros. offered 20-gauge shotguns, the "standard" 20-gauge shell in North America was put up in a 2 1/2 inch case and the maximum load was 2 1/4 drams of bulk smokeless powder or 18 grains of dense smokeless powder such as Infallible or Ballistite pushing 7/8 ounce of shot. Longer cases -- 2 3/4, 2 7/8 and 3-inch -- were offered by our North American ammunition companies

3-inch IDEAL 20-gauge.jpg

and one could get a slightly hotter load of 2 1/2 drams of bulk smokeless powder or 20 grains of dense smokeless powder such as Infallible or Ballistite pushing that same 7/8 ounce of shot.

Remington Arms-Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Arrow 3-inch 20-gauge.jpg

The main advantage of these longer shells was more/better wadding which many serious shooters considered important.

In 1922, Western Cartridge Co. introduced their progressive burning smokeless powder, high velocity, loads, Super-X, in 12-gauge (1 1/4 ounce) and 20-gauge (1 ounce), put up in their 2 3/4 inch FIELD shell.

Early Super-X 20-gauge box, Super Excellant.jpg

Parker Bros. didn't rush to embrace the 2 3/4 inch 20-gauge shell. My 1930 vintage VH-Grade 20-gauge has the 2 3/8 inch chamber intended for the 2 1/2 inch shell.

[Bruce Day]

Cxx

[Scott Chapman]

FWIW I have a 20 ga VH made in 1900 that letters with 2 5/8" chambers which would have been intended to use 2 3/4" shells.