Calling all 3 Frame 12 gauge's

J.B. Books · 02-13-2013, 08:25 AM

The thread discussing Dennis Nix' latest purchase of a 3 frame VH on got me wondering. Factory records I believe did not record frame size. It would appear to me Parker Bros. occasionally built 12ga guns on 3 frames I believe to achieve a desired heavier weight. 3 Frame 12's are not rare but are certainly uncommon.

So how many are out there among us and what are they?

I have a VH with 32" barrels F/F built in 1900 on a three frame, barrel weight stamp is 5', gun is 9 lb even. It was ordered and shipped to the general store in a small Illinois town on the bank of the Mississippee river. 9 pound weight was requested. A lot of barrel swamp. No doubt intended to be and used as a Fowler. The gun was solid with modern dimensions but pretty messed up. Couple of mechanical issues, cold blued frame and barrels and checkering refreshed with a steak knife. I had Larry DeGrego & Son bring it back 100% in 2008.

Steve Hodges · 02-13-2013, 08:59 AM

Hey Pete, how about some pictures of your 3 frame

Big Friend Ten (BFT) · 02-13-2013, 09:47 AM

Pete and all,

I own a high condition DH Damascus 34" 12 gauge built on a #3 frame. This Parker weighs 10 pounds even and is choked with .040" in each barrel.

Mark

Don Kaas · 02-13-2013, 09:50 AM

I have a 34" DHE 12 gauge straight grip on a 3 frame. A friend down in Mississippi has a 32" DH on a #3 frame I used to own as well. Destry has a #3 frame DHE he is quite fond of

J.B. Books · 02-13-2013, 09:54 AM

Steve asked for pictures. Reminds me I need to take some. I think after nearly 5 years the cc has faded some but this is how it looked when I brought home from LD&S in '08. My recall is both barrels are .036 constriction.

I'd like to see pic's of those D grades.

Mills · 02-13-2013, 10:45 AM

I have 12 gauge, 30", size 3, Twist barrels which are going on my DH 10 project.

MarketHunter · 02-13-2013, 01:49 PM

Don is correct, "The Swamp Angel" and I are near constant companions in the duck blind. I think I killed every goose I shot last year with it as well. The big magnum 10 gauge was jealous, it's not been out of the house in a couple years.

Destry

Eldon Goddard · 02-13-2013, 02:00 PM

I thought since it is the only Parker I own I would put in some pictures of mine. It is aVHE 12 gauge 3 frame 34'' barrels made in 1912. I bought it in 2005 several parts were parkerized including the barrels. I had the barrels reblued by Turnbull and am still working on saving for a complete metal restoration. I put some pictures of the forearm on to get an collective opinion on whether or not I should do a complete restoration. As far as I know the wood is untouched it has the exact dimensions as the letter gives 15'' LOP and 3 1/2'' drop at heel.

Eldon Goddard · 02-13-2013, 02:02 PM

Some more.

Bill Murphy · 02-13-2013, 02:55 PM

What a great gun for your only Parker. Some years ago, I traded a wonderful minty postwar 38-44 Outdoorsman for my cased DH 12 gauge Damascus factory two barrel set on the #3 frame. It's a pretty nice gun with pinned cheeks and outrageous barrels, 30" and 28", and skeleton butt. My DH Lefever sleeved mag ten was originally a #3 frame 32" Damascus twelve, also with skeleton butt. My "new to me" ex Austin Hogan extremely late lifter 12 is also on a #3 frame. In my experience, this is a real rarity, but I may be wrong about that. Of course, my little 28" 16 gauge Wisconsin grouse gun is also a #3 frame, but I guess this thread is about 12 gauges.