Variations in ribs

[Chuck Heald]

I've never seen an Parker upper rib that was not tapered. But then, I haven't seen as many Parkers as some of you. Can someone post a picture and description of what was meant by rib that is NOT "tapered"?

[Bill Murphy]

A "tapered rib" on a Parker usually describes a rib that is rather severely tapered, like from 7/16" at the breech to less than 1/4" at the muzzle, a 3/16" taper over the length of the barrel. The normal taper of a Parker rib is more like 1/2" at the breech to 7/16" at the muzzle, a taper of only 1/16" over the length of the barrel.

[edgarspencer]

Bill, John, and others;
This got me thinking so I just measured a few of mine.
DHE16/1/30" .500-.285
VHE16/0/28" .535-.395
VH 16/1/26" .535-.405 (seems to be the same rib as the VHE16, as that
measures .405 at 2" back from the muzzle)
GH/16/1 2Bbl set
/30" .485-.355
/28" .485-.385
VH 20/0/28" .560-.350
BHE12/1.5/28" .535-.395
DH12/1/28" .560-.385
DHE12/1.5/30" .535-.380

The .560 on the 0 frame 20 is an anomally, but that's a 1900 gun.
The DHE16 must be what is called a 'tapered' rib.

Another thing I never noticed is my dad's VH16 has no termination, but it's in the book as a 26" , and he bought it new in Meriden. Maybe it was one built for stock and cut down to 26" before it every left the factory.
I didn't measure the hammer guns.

[John Truitt]

Parker also produced raised flat solid ribs. Raised as in vent rib height.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by John Truitt

Parker also produced raised flat solid ribs. Raised as in vent rib height.

Yes! Those are my favorites!