12 gauge 1/2 frame

[Mills]

I have a PH 12 gauge 1/2 frame made in 1911. The gun was beaten up a little, partially restored, but handles and shoots very well. I read in Parker Story that 1/2 frames were not made in 12 gauge until the late 20's or so. Does anyone else out there have an early 1/2 frame in 12 gauge? How rare are they? Part of me would like to have a rare piece, but another part would not mind having another as I like the one I have so much.

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

that sounds impossible but I will let Craig Reynolds weigh in- Mr. half frame.

[Bill Murphy]

It's more likely you have a 1 1/2 frame, poorly stamped. What is the exact distance between your firing pins? That will tell the tale.

[Mills]

I will check when I get back home. I have a 1 frame 12 gauge which is heavier and bigger than this one.

[edgarspencer]

I thought the 1/2 frame was only used on 12s. I believe the firing pin spacing is the same as a 1 frame.

[Bill Murphy]

Edgar, you are right. The half frame is actually a #1 frame until you get to the front end. Go to page 527 in TPS to see the exact dimensions of both. All the half frames I have seen are twelves except the 24" Cliff Greene 20 gauge. My DHE half frame has 16 gauge barrels but they were put on at the Murphy factory, not the Parker factory. If the gun in question is a half frame it will have 1 1/16 pin spacing like the #1 frame. If it is a #1 1/2 frame, as I suspect, it will have 1 1/8" pin separation.

[Mills]

It must be a 1 1/2 frame, but somehow feels lighter and handles more easily than my 1 frame GH.