16 gauge 32" VH 1 frame

[Brian Hornacek]

How hard are they to come by? They only made 216 by the book, maybe a dozen or so more in the lost records if you extrapolate. I know anything with long barrels is good and usually desirable. For a solid original gun with little case and no major flaws is it a $3000 gun? For a gun with solid barrels that needs restocked, restored and has relatively straight metal is it a $1500-$2000 gun. I am gonna look at one some time this week so just trying to get my head right. If it had 28" barrels or even 30" barrels I could make a good judgment but the 32" barrels will have me scratching my head.

Brian

Abby's glad, its almost duck season.......

[Daryl Corona]

Yes Brian they are scarce and pictures would help as would the grade and configuration. I looked for a long time to find my 32" VHE 16 with a straight grip. If it's a solid, original gun with no major flaws, 3K is a good price.

[David Dwyer]

Brian
$3000 is a good price if the gun has no major flaws. I just purchased a 28 " VHE 16ga that has 20-25% CC , had been restocked with nice wood, for $1,400 and feel that was a great deal. A nice 16ga V grade is is a very desirable gun. Good Luck!
David

[Bill Murphy]

A straight 32" 16 is normally worth $3000.

[Jay Gardner]

$3000 for a straight-grip, 16/32 V? That would be a really good price but I would bet that gun would sell for considerably more than that.

[Craig Larter]

I would like to find a original VHE 16/32 straight grip for only $3000. Put me on that list!!

[Bruce Day]

They are worth $3000 if you are trying to buy a gun. Much more if you own one and are trying to sell it.

[David Dwyer]

Bruce
That is the story of everything from Parker to a boat or a house!

That gun for $3,000 would last about a "New York minute" on this site!

David

[Brian Hornacek]

Thanks everyone, its relative to condition I understand. If you have three equal condition16 gauge VH pistol grip guns next to each other in three different barrel lengths and you start the 28" at $2K from comments here....... I think a 30" would fetch $2.5K...... a 32" would fetch $3K+. Its a little simpler to wrangle in this instance since there is only one feature that stands out in the value difference.

These are always great discussions and I understand condition blended with unique configuration can't simply be plotted on a graph. One thing that can't be calculated is personal desire to own a particular gun. For me I am doing my best to acquire Parkers that have unique features that are diamonds in the rough usually based on a condition issue(s). Most everything I have bought needs a little care from one of the fine folks we all know.....Chris, Brian or Brad.

[Daryl Corona]

A straight 32" 16 is normally worth $3000.

I consider my straight grip 32" with ejectors worth considerably more than 3K. Maybe in 1990 prices. I'd buy them all day long at that price.

[Jeff Kuss]

I think you are in the $4000 range give or take $500.

[Bill Murphy]

I misread the original post and thought the gun was being offered for $3000, hence my comment. I paid half again as much for my last 32" V Grade 16. In pretty nice condition, it sold in about eight minutes, on this site.

[Jay Gardner]

20/32, 1-frame VHE. The long barrels are sublime.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n308/Doublegun_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-04/C07B2FEE-BEB1-4A0D-8C65-3F4CF6FC0FF0_zpslgxbun4i.jpg (http://s115.photobucket.com/user/Doublegun_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-04/C07B2FEE-BEB1-4A0D-8C65-3F4CF6FC0FF0_zpslgxbun4i.jpg.html)

[Daryl Corona]

20/32, 1-frame VHE. The long barrels are sublime.
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n308/Doublegun_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-04/C07B2FEE-BEB1-4A0D-8C65-3F4CF6FC0FF0_zpslgxbun4i.jpg (http://s115.photobucket.com/user/Doublegun_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-04/C07B2FEE-BEB1-4A0D-8C65-3F4CF6FC0FF0_zpslgxbun4i.jpg.html)


That they are!

[Jay Gardner]

And a 16/32, 1-Frame would be identical in size and overall appearance. A 16/32 would be a fantastic gun especily with a straight stock.

[greg conomos]

The 0 frame 16 is way overrated. The #1 frame is a better frame for most people in terms of fit and balance.

[Brian Hornacek]

Well Parker 191133 16 gauge 32" VH #1 Frame has found a new home. This poor old girl has had a rough life but I can see a diamond in the rough and was happy to rescue her from her current keeper. The price.....cheap enough that the decision was easy $1100 CAD which converts to $835 USD these days. Unfortunately no records exist for this gun per the web data on file.

The 32" Vulcan barrels are if fine shape and will clean up to new. They are 3lb 8oz, 2 1/2" chambers measuring R 0.665/0.035 L 0.666/0.032.

She has been abused with:
An awful beavertail forearm
Loss of the forearm tip
Butt stock being undersized where it meets the receive by a wood butcher and recoil pad added
Trigger plate screws buggered
Receiver buffed with a wire wheel to a high luster
Extractor retaining screw replaced with a home made Allen head screw
Barrel hook retaining screw..... indescribable

I have already sent a request for forgiveness from Chris Dawe prior to putting it in the mail to him.

[Daryl Corona]

The 0 frame 16 is way overrated. The #1 frame is a better frame for most people in terms of fit and balance.

They each have their own uses. My 32" 20 DHE, and my 32" 16 VHE, both have straight grips and are on a 1 frame. They excel as target guns.
My O frame 20's and 16's are much better suited to bird hunting as they are lighter and easier to carry all day. Now the 00 frame is another story. Just my opinion-mileage may vary.

[greg conomos]

A few issues but still a great deal. Might even be sublime - I'd wait to see if it letters as such.

[greg conomos]

They each have their own uses. My 32" 20 DHE, and my 32" 16 VHE, both have straight grips and are on a 1 frame. They excel as target guns.
My O frame 20's and 16's are much better suited to bird hunting as they are lighter and easier to carry all day. Now the 00 frame is another story. Just my opinion-mileage may vary.

To each his own, but I think (?) a 1 frame weighs within 1/2-3/4 lb of an 0 frame.

In any case, I'm really referring more to the 'ergonomics' of the gun. A 0 frame can be a bit dainty at times for the average grown male. IMO.

[Bill Murphy]

I have 0 frame and 1 frame 16 gauges with 26" and 28" barrels that weigh 6 1/4 pounds.

[Rich Anderson]

I have a nice GHE Damascus 16 on a #1 frame with 26 inch barrels and a DH 16 Damascus with 26 inch barrels on the 0 frame. If they are side by side I'll take the 0 frame every time.

My grade one 32 inch 16 hammer gun is a pure joy to shoot. I think you will enjoy your 32 incher.

[Dave Suponski]

Brian, I would love to see more pictures of the beavertail forend.

[Brian Hornacek]

Brian, I would love to see more pictures of the beavertail forend.

Sorry Dave,

Its in the mail to Chris already. Maybe he can post a picture or two when he gets it.

[Brian Hornacek]

Things are starting to move along on this one. The wood is to the point of turning it over for welding and engraving. Gonna add a bead to the breach balls and get the engraving under way.

[Phillip Carr]

Wow that's going to be one heck of a Parker!!!

[John Allen]

Amazing how tastes change.Prior to sporting clays becoming popular,a 26" gun would bring a 25% premium over longer barrels.

[Dave Noreen]

Amazing how tastes change.Prior to sporting clays becoming popular,a 26" gun would bring a 25% premium over longer barrels.

That premium has been going down every year since Jack O'Connor died!!

[Daniel G Rainey]

Have a 16 2 barrel set with a set of 32 inchers choked full and full.Love the way they swing. but no longer duck hunt. Will try them with spreader loads later this summer.

[charlie cleveland]

i would have thought there was no 16 ga with 32 inch barrels in north miss..but daniel has proved me wrong...i m like you fellows i like the long ger barrels..coupla years ago i had to pass up a nice hammer 16 with 36 inch barrels was out of cash at the time...charlie

[Brian Hornacek]

This is starting to get interesting.....

[Daniel G Rainey]

Brian Please keep us posted this is getting interesting.

[Mills Morrison]

Looking good!

[Brian Hornacek]

Now we're starting to talk A1 style, not bad for a couple days work, should be ready to engraved late next week.

[Brian Dudley]

I know first hand how much work that is to get the the beads on the bolsters. The addition of the clovers on the forward bead is a nice custom touch. Good thing you stopped at one or some may mistake it for a lefever.

[Brian Hornacek]

The bolster accents aren't done yet but will be a version of a Fleur-de-lis, the guys are working off the Czar gun and A1 pictures for ideas but ultimately it will be a one off custom.

[Brian Dudley]

Ok. It was Hard to tell from the other angle exactly what was happening.

[Eric Estes]

Very very cool stuff. Thank you Brian for sharing it with us. Looking forward to the updates.

[James Palmer]

How about a 16 ga VH 32 with Straight Grip on a 1 1/2 frame and no safety?

[Brian Hornacek]

The engraving is 70% complete. Parker Bros. will be in gold and I think 2 ducks in the trigger plate window.

Happy holiday weekend to everyone, I hope you are enjoying time with family and friends.

[Reggie Bishop]

Wow! That's going to be beautiful!

[Brian Dudley]

It is a custom gun, but the engraving style is not too far off what may have left the Parker factory. At least so far.

[Greg Baehman]

That engraving is drop dead gorgeous!

[Brian Hornacek]

The engraver is doing his best to copy Parker in general but his own design.

[Brett Farley]

Looks great, keep posting pictures at it progresses. Very impressive!!

[Chuck Bishop]

Holy cow, that's one beautiful gun Brian. Are you planning to case color it? I like the metal just as it is.

[Brian Hornacek]

It will be case coloured, possibly muted to look aged. Maybe a worn look of aged case? That will be the last thing to work out once the engraving is done. It has turned into a fun project for sure.

[todd allen]

That engraving is drop dead gorgeous!

You beat me to the words, so I'll just say plus 1.

[Brian Hornacek]

Hello Parker friends,

I hope you are having a wonderful week and are looking forward to the holiday season.

I few pictures as the engraving nears its finish.

Talk you you all again soon.

[Dean Romig]

That is going to be one very fine upgrade!





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[Russ Jackson]

I agree with all of the above comments ,One Beautiful Gun ! I have to ask even though it will make me appear stupid although those that know me well .....:rotf: ! In the earlier part of the post one of the comments is that the gun will be case colored ,what about the Gold Ducks on the floor plate ,will they be removed before the coloring process or protected somehow ,I only ask because I truly have no idea !

[Brian Hornacek]

The gold is not an issue in the hardening process, what you see goes in the furnace. Someone better than me, maybe Edgar, can comment on the specifics of hardening. I think hardening is done between 1250-1500 F, gold melts at 1946 F so the math works.

Barrels finished up.

[Brian Dudley]

Yeah, gold inlays go through case hardening just fine. Providing they are cut in properly.

[Mike Franzen]

Man! Keep the pics coming. That is really an amazing upgrade. I can’t wait to see the wood.

[edgarspencer]

The gold is not an issue in the hardening process, what you see goes in the furnace. Someone better than me, maybe Edgar, can comment on the specifics of hardening. I think hardening is done between 1250-1500 F, gold melts at 1946 F so the math works.

Barrels finished up.
Brian, I hear some people are firing to mid 1500 degree range to achieve certain colors, but they aren't hardening until you get to the 1625-1650 range, then quenched. Strictly speaking, there should be a temper-stress relieving cycle in the 1125-1175 range after quenching.

[Brian Hornacek]

Thanks Edgar, I would have been guessing.

Today the trigger guard was completed. I am very happy with the piercing, it should look familiar in style to Parker’s you may have seen.

Have a great day everyone.

[Jay Gardner]

The workmanship is far beyond my comprehension. Wow!

[Brian Hornacek]

Everything is done but the skeleton plate. I am very happy with the result.

[Robin Lewis]

Wow, nicely done!!!!

[Greg Baehman]

Like I said previously in this thread . . . the engraving is drop dead gorgeous -- the engraving has been well defined and set off by the wonderful border engraving.

[edgarspencer]

The Grip Cap is so beautiful. What will the finish treatment be?

[Robin Lewis]

The Grip Cap is so beautiful. What will the finish treatment be?

Boy Edgar, I agree. That may be the nicest grip cap of any Parker I have seen.:shock: The rest is outstanding too.

[Brett Hoop]

Brian

I don't think anybody is going to tell you, you missed a spot on this one!
It's going to look smashing when case colored. Well Done all.

[Brian Hornacek]

It’s been awhile since I posted anything on this one.

Out of the oven.

[Mills Morrison]

Holy mackerel!

[allen newell]

Absolutely outstanding. Where did you get the stock blank? Who did the stock work

[Jim DiSpagno]

Brian, you certainly outdid yourself on this one my Friend. Stellar engraving, color case hardening and choice of wood. Chris did an outstanding kid on this project. God Bless my Friend. Use her in good health always.

[Brian Hornacek]

Its been a long road on this one, thanks for all the nice words but they all should go to the this fine team of craftsman in Canada Chris Dawe on wood, Oskar Kob on case color, Christian Lemieux on metal shaping, Max Roux on welding and the master engraver Paul Dubois.

When I first started going to gun shows in 1999 this semi inlet blank sat on a gun show table of a gentleman that made stocks until he gave up shows around 2008. About 4 years ago I called the guy up looking for some model 12 wood and odds and ends for projects. When he dug into his Parker blanks he pulled it out and I laughed thinking I always admired that piece of wood. He told me he bought a pallet of wood at the Fajen auction and it was in the bunch. I bought about 15 sets of wood that day and he gave me a heck of deal for the set, $250 or $300 as I remember. Chris said it was easy to work with and well duplicated.

I was asked about the grip cap again, Chris made the base out of some horn material I picked up for him a few years back and the center is brass...sorry did not have access to gold at the time moving tings forward but regardless its a piece of art!

[Dean Romig]

Brian, are all those craftsmen in Canada?





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[Dean Romig]

Can't wait to see Chris' checkering... should be his piece de resistance.





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[Brett Farley]

That is one of the best upgrades I’ve seen in a long time. Beautiful work, elegant and not gaudy or pretentious. Fantastic!!

[Brian Hornacek]

8/23/2015 was a long time ago in Torrington Alberta (home of the gopher museum) at a small gunshow when I came across this 16 gauge. When I sent it to Chris Dawe i had no idea where things were going. Thanks to Chris’s dedication and a fantastic gunsmithing team in Quebec at Lemieux Armuriers I have this fantastic work of art. I specifically want to thank Christian Lemieux on the metal, Master Engraver Paul Dubois, Oskar Kob on the case color and One of the best stock men out there Chris Dawe.

Chris, Chris and Paul ....without friends like these projects like this do not get done.

Happy holidays everyone.

[Brian Hornacek]

A few more

[Jeff Kuss]

Wow!

[Dean Romig]

An amazing gun Brian - Thanks for sharing it with us.





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[charlie cleveland]

a secound wow......charlie

[Chuck Bishop]

1 of a kind. Beautiful!

[Randy G Roberts]

There are upgrades and then there are UPGRADES . Absolutely stunning Brian.

[Phillip Carr]

A beautiful Parker with 32” barrels and a 16 gauge to boot
I think I would have to name her CINDERELLA.
Absolutely Spectacular.

[Reggie Bishop]

What an outstanding Parker gun!

[Eric Eis]

Outstanding!

[Jim DiSpagno]

Chris and crew up North will not be outdone. Very tasteful and fantastic checkering. Congrats Brian