Ten Gauge Frame Size

[6pt-Sika]

On an earlier thread 10 gauge hammerless frame sizes were discussed a bit . To the best of you guys knowledge only one gun was made on the #1 frame . And #2 and #3 frames are relatively the common frame size .

So now I am wondering if #4 frames and possibly #5 frames were used much if at all for the 10 gauge . And by this I mean were many made on those frames originally and not ones that were sent back to be rebarreled .

[Roundsworth]

I briefly owned a 12-1/2 pound 6 frame 10 that was ordered that way. The order did not specify the 6 frame, but specified 32" barrels and a total weight of 12-1/2 pounds.

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

My favorite retired sailor is correct, Parkers were NOT commonly ordered by frame size. Weight was the requirement used. That stated I'm certain that Arthur William duBrey knew how to order a #1 frame gun in whatever gauge the customer wanted.

[B. Dudley]

I have owned one 4 frame 10g.

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

I have owned one 4 frame 10g.

Heck Brian I have at least three #4 frame 10's and one on a #5 frame. They are out there waiting to be loved and shot again...

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Mark Ouellette

My favorite retired sailor is correct, Parkers were NOT commonly ordered by frame size. Weight was the requirement used. That stated I'm certain that Arthur William duBrey knew how to order a #1 frame gun in whatever gauge the customer wanted.

All I wanna know is did they make many on the #4 and or #5 frame .

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Okay Craig,

Parker 10 gauges were most common on a #3 frame. There are plenty of #2 and #4 frame 10's available if one looks for them. These are certainly not as common as the #3 frame guns. Parker 10's on a #5 frame are somewhat rare and a #6 frame 10, I would consider rare.

Although rare, a Parker without condition isn't worth much unless it is a high grade and could be restored.

[OH Osthaus]

i have had two 10's (still have one) both 2 frames

I watch a 4 frame in very rough shape and missing its forend sell on gunbroker last week. Still wonder if I should have let it go.

[Bill Murphy]

All #4 and #5 frame guns I have seen have been hammer guns. #1, #2, #3 and #6 are the hammerless ten gauges I have seen. #4 frame top lever hammer guns with 32" barrels were the gun of choice for competitive shooters in the mid 1880s because they could easily be made to the eleven pound top limit of gun weight in the pigeon shooting community. Parker company shooters were "issued" these #4 frame eleven pounders, either at a discount or free depending on how well they represented Parker Brothers. Unfortunately, the use of these guns in the pigeon ring by Parker company shooters ended in 1889 when Parker wanted their shooters to use the new hammerless guns. It is nearly impossible to destroy these #4 frame pigeon guns, and, rare as they are, they keep popping up in the collector market.

[Bill Murphy]

Rick, I would like to look at that gunbroker ad for the #4 frame without forend. Can you give us the item number?