Parker 12 GA VH
 

I have several older firearms but at 101 years old this will be my oldest and only SXS. I have been watching it for months at the gun shop and picked it up this past weekend.

I probably should have found this place first and done some research on the 2 1/2” vs 22 3/4” shell issue. Guess it doesn’t matter because it wouldn’t have prevented me from purchasing it.

Looking forward to learning more about what I have here and really looking forward to using it for hunting and clays.

Welcome, Ronnie. Please post some pictures of your gun when you can and you will learn a lot from the folks here. If you post the serial number we may be able to find out the configuration when it left the factory.

Here are some pictures
 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JCAf5cWmJ68quHSY7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kKnW24MHF51hPEFj7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KVbS1AL9iLT9VHFN8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/yJeNQhwAwvfie2a37

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Me4dDeGfMSAVDqCs6

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KrcgjL1kY7nQvrSq8

194487
 

Book says V grade, Hammerless, 0 extras, Capped pistol grip, 12 gauge, 28"
I see by your pictures that it is a 1 1/2 frame gun.
From the look of it, I can't imagine that gun languishing in a shop for any length of time!

I watched it for about 8 months and probably paid too much. It was there on consignment for $3K. I got them down a few hundred. I have seen other similar guns online in that range so I felt like it was a decent deal for something I wanted.

I think it is a fine looking VH and I think you did alright for yourself. A tad on the high side pricewise but you'll easily get $3k worth of enjoyment from it a few times over.





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This is just my opinion, but i wouldnt worry much about finding 2 1/2" shells. I would shoot any standard target load around 1200fps thru it. I would bet it has already had a steady diet of standard loads. If you reload, then you can discover the delight of 7/8 and even 3/4 oz 12 ga loads.

You did overpay by quite a lot. For that much money, the gun should be dripping in original case color. Unfortunately the frame looks to have had most all of its case color removed or "cleaned" off over the years.

The gun however is very nice in the regards that it looks to be VERY sound, solid and should make a very reliable shooter for you. The wood looks free of any alterations or damage. And the dimensions look to be very good a modern.

Regarding the shells to use. the gun likely has actual measurement of 2-5/8" which would be fine for shooting 2-3/4" shells. That is how parker intended it to be.

I knew I was likely paying more than what it was worth but I liked the look and feel of it. It won’t be a safe queen and I intend to add to the wear it already has. Hopefully my kid and grandkids will appreciate it long after I’m gone.

The Smith at the Gun shop said it was a 2 1/2” chamber. I am not sure how that is measured but I dropped a 2 3/4” shell in and it appears that it will function. I will do a little more research and maybe find a Smith who is a little more familiar with it before I decide what I will use in it.

Shell length is measured by the length of the FIRED hull. So of course you had no issue putting a loaded and crimped hull in. Even if the chambers are actually 2-1/2” firing light 2-3/4” target loads will not be an issue for that gun. Or you can get 2-1/2” light shells or load your own short shells if you want to feel better about it.