Parker Hinge Pin Removal

[Jerry Andrews]

Howdy all. I have a Parker CHE 16 ga on a #1 frame in for repairs. Someone attempted to add metal with a TIG or MIG possibly to tighten up the barrels on face and they have destroyed the hinge pin. I'm primarily an L.C. Smith gunsmith so the Parker in not all that familiar to me, but...it's still a double barrel. How does the hinge pin come out on a Parker gun? Thanks for any help you might be able to send me way. Respectfully, Jerry

[Bruce Day]

When the hinge pin was removed by Parker to slip on a new guide roll, the frame was supported and the pin pressed out. Not supporting the frame fully can lead to a bent or fractured frame. You'll see a screw head but taking that out only exposes the remaining hinge section. The hinge pin does not engage the hook hinge, its the guide roll that is the engaging surface. Most of these old pins are rusted or in so tight that the frame can be damaged by removal; that's why adding metal to the hook hinge section is the favored approach.

Because the hinge pin is not exposed between the frame arms, its the guide roll that has been damaged and you'll need a new one or to re machine the old one. The old pin can be reinserted.

I have a soft spot for C grade small bores. Barrels fluid, crolle damascus or Bernard?

[Autumn Daze]

Jerry,I have removed a few of the hinge pins.Remove the slotted screw and insert a drill blank or a drift punch the closely fits the ID and with the frame supported properly press the pin out.Use an arbor press for best results.

[Jerry Andrews]

I think they are Bernard steel. I'd have to look to make sure. I've tried to buy the gun for years, I've worked on the single trigger twice and the ejectors once, but he's hanging on to the thing for the time being anyway. Very pretty gun, skeleton plate, PG capped, 28" M/F barrels. Knock out piece of wood. Jerry

[Double Play]

Jerry,
Both Bruce and I have 16 gage C's with Bernard barrels and to say there aren’t many around would be a gross understatement. We have posted picture’s here of our guns and would love to see some of your customers gun if he were inclined to do so. If you have watched this board for any length of time then you already know how much we all love pictures.

[Bruce Day]

Yes Jerry, pictures please. If it is Bernard, it will say so on the top rib. If so, it will be the third known.

[Jerry Andrews]

I do take offense, and exactly why would you make such a statement? I have devoted my entire gunsmithing career specializing in returning American double barrels to exact factory specs, in some cases work superior to what was done originally. I'm not tooting my own horn but that is what I have done. So your statement, while not made maliciously I hope, is a pretty offensive statement to someone that holds these guns and their piece of American history so dear

[Bruce Day]

Bill, the statement is inherently offensive and publicly stated is slanderous. Saying "no offense" fails to soften the verbal fist. Just my opinion, which may mean nothing, but those statements are better privately made whether they are right or wrong.

Jerry, my apologies. I don't know you at all and am merely trying to be helpful and encourage proper Parker preservation.

[Jerry Andrews]

Bruce, no apology from you needed, but thank you. You sure hit the nail on the head on the assessement of that statement however! Thank you, Jerry
Again, I'm going to guess that Mr. Murphy was being the insensitive person his statement made him appear, as I find most people in this world are just fine folks and I can get along with nearly anyone.
PS. I could post a long line of very happy customers but I'm not sure that would really make a point here.

[Bill Murphy]

I will apologize and delete my post as well as this one, once it is recognized. However, it is beyond my comprehension that someone would weld up a hinge pin that can't be properly accessed to dress. It is further incomprehensible that someone would try to dismantle a ten thousand dollar shotgun, never having done it before. Even many of those who make their livings "fixing" Parker shotguns don't fool with roll pins. I am aware that Jerry did not weld up the pin. I wish him success in fixing the mess.