Shooting modern load in a 16 Parker VH

[Mark Forabosco]

I recently purchased a 1928 Parker VH 16 gauge ---No1 frame--26inch barrels-As an older gun I want to make sure that I am using the correct loads in it and don't want to go with anything too heavy. Was looking at Federal 1oz shot 1165FPS, 2.5 Dram. Would that be considered an adequate load to go with?
Your feedback is greatly appreciated

[David Noble]

Mark, welcome to the forums. Your Vh 16ga should handle that load just fine if the bores are in good shape and have not been altered.
Mainly you should just stay away from express type loads to protect the stock.

[Mills]

You should be fine as long as the barrels are sound. It is wise to check the barrel wall thickness on any older gun. Like David says, stay away from the heavy stuff too.

Parker 16's may be my favorite gauge. Enjoy your gun!

[Researcher]

No one can tell you over the internet what ammunition may or maynot be safe in a given gun.

Unless special ordered with longer chambers, your 1928 vintage Parker Bros. 16-gauge started life with 2 7/16-inch chambers intended for the then "standard" 2 9/16-inch 16-gauge shells. By 1928 we were well into the progressive burning smokeless powder, high velocity loads and if your gun was being used at all it probably saw plenty of these --

Second style 16-gauge Super-X load side.jpg

HIGH VELOCITY 16-gauge, 2 9-16-inch, #6.jpg

While the gun if in sound condition will handle them, whether one wants to subject 95-year-old wood to the recoil forces of such loads is another question.

[ED J, MORGAN]

I use federal game loads in mine, they work just fine.