Parker Stock Comb Terminology -- Survey

[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Randy… not to be picky but none of those three letters address a trap comb, just a “trap modified fore-end”. Do you have any other info on those guns that talk about the combs?
I have seen letters that specifically reference a “trap comb”.
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Dean the following is my original post in which I stated:
Garry I looked at 3 letters on guns with a trap comb and all 3 mention the grip and the "trap modified forend" but nothing on the actual comb. Dang the luck !

[Dean Romig]

Oops... I missed that Randy - Sorry





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[Dean Romig]

I have two of what I consider true ‘ball grip’ guns, both Lifters, both D or equivalend ‘dollar quality’ guns, one a 10 gauge and one a 16.





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[mobirdhunter]

Apparently the Parker nomenclature changed over time. It makes sense that it would.

[Randy Roberts]

Garry as you do not seem to be getting a lot of hits on this topic have you considered perusing through some Parker catalogs to see if there might be some nomenclature within them specific to comb terminology. I know that some of them mention the Monte Carlo and Cheek Piece options so you never know.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Randy G Roberts

Garry as you do not seem to be getting a lot of hits on this topic have you considered perusing through some Parker catalogs to see if there might be some nomenclature within them specific to comb terminology. I know that some of them mention the Monte Carlo and Cheek Piece options so you never know.

Thanks, Randy, that’s a great idea. It will give me a good indoor quest on a cold day (like we’re having today).

I can’t believe that the honorable Bill M. doesn’t have a letter or three that would help out. (Bill, where are you?)

[Pa SxS]

I looked thru my copies of Parker catalogs and prior to the 1910 catalog, Parker only listed straight or pistol grip. The pistol grip would include capped pistol grips, round knob pistol grips, and ball grips. Ball grips were on the early hammer guns and looked like a bulb. Parker did use the term "ball" on their later .410 guns. Starting with the 1910 catalog, they used the terms straight, pistol grip (includes both CPG and round), 1/2 pistol grip, and Monte Carlo.

[Dean Weber]

Pursuant to Dean R.'s comments about "ball grips" as opposed to Mike's comments about ball grips.......ahem.

My lifters with true ball grips are called pistol grips within the letters. If we recognize grip structures changed over time (ball, capped, round) and yet pistol grip is used in my letters for most of these from the 1800s to 1940s (exception is where capped pistol grip is called out). Yet the grip styles/structure are very different.

We also know that styles of comb structure did change over time even within the lifter period. Whether the names changed with them seems not as clear. Further, I have never received a letter calling out the comb structure even though I have a couple which would be called full or trap comb.

Obviously, I don't have access to Parker records, but I suspect comb was not documented in the same manner/frequency as grip structure. No matter the singer performing the act.......

[Pa SxS]

I only put in the research letter what either the order book or stock book says. The order books only rarely will specify CPG, they only say p.g. or straight. The stock books do say either straight, pistol grip, or capped pistol grip so if there is no stock book for the gun, the letter will say pistol grip even though it's a capped pistol grip. I may have done a letter where a Monty Carlo stock was indicated but it would be extremely rare. You can assume a Monty Carlo stock by the 3 dimensions of drops if they are listed.

[Dean Weber]

Chuck,
After writing about 50 of my letters and likely 1000s by now, how often do you see the comb type called out? I suspect seldom, as the books are only non-standard combs and therefore no need to document regularly unless the comb is remarkable. I dunno. Just spitballin.