Heavy 12 gauges

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Patrick, the majority of the orders for #3 frame guns only specify the desired weight with no mention of frame size. However, more than a few orders that resulted in #3 frame guns actually specify "2 1/2 frame". The #3 frame was known as the 2 1/2 frame by Parker Brothers insiders. I'm not sure the customer had anything to do with the request, although some customers may have been pretty savvy about Parker terminology. Yes there are fluid steel #3 frame 12 gauge guns. A poster here owns a Del Grego #3 frame VH and a local friend has a CH #3 frame Acme steel gun which was ordered at 10 pounds. I have a nice little #3 frame Vulcan barrelled 16 that was ordered at 8 3/4 pounds, lightly choked.

I purchased a 12ga 32" VH 3 frame, built in 1900, 4 years ago. It was in rough shape. I had Larry DelGrego & Son do a full restoration shortly after. The gun has modern dimensions and shoots very well. My research letter indicated it was ordered to be 9 lbs even and that is what it weighs. It was shipped to a very small town in Illinois on the banks of the Mississippi so I assume it was ordered to be a fowler. I have been shooting some 1 1/4 oz. loads at 1220 fps and the 9 pounds really tames the recoil.

George Lander had a very high condition 3 frame VH about a year ago for sale. Ivory Beads had two of them and I think they may still have one for sale but both had some issues. There was a straight grip VHE 3 frame 12 ga sold by Safari Outfitters earlier this year.

Here is a pic of my 3 frame VH next to a 28" 1 1/2 frame 12ga VH. It's a big gun, until you put it next to a 3 frame 10ga.

[Bill Murphy]

I just looked at the letter on my friend's CH Grade 12 gauge #3. It was, sure enough, ordered at ten pounds, was sent to Baker and Hamilton in San Francisco, and oddly, was ordered with no safety. It may be the wildest and craziest #3 frame 12 gauge out there. It was used extensively and was given a rough Remington style refinish. I will have to look at it to find out whether it has any Remington Repair Codes stamped.

[John Truitt]

A friend of mine has a #3 frame VH 12 32" that is one fine shooting iron.
In his hands he is unstoppable with it.

#3 frame 12's are very cool.