How desirable 2 frame 16?

[Phillip Carr]

A recent discussion on frame size prompts me to ask a question concerning a 2 frame 16 gauge with 30" barrels. How rare and desirable. Gun needs some work, mainly chip in toe and broken butt plate as I recall, it has been about a year since I looked at it. I will take another look at it Wednesday if not when I return from Wyoming.

[Brian Dudley]

It would be a rare find. I am surprised it does not have 32" barrels.

[Phillip Carr]

I plan on taking a tape, bore, chamber and thickness gauges with me. Since it has been a year since I looked at it. Due to the butt stock damage, weight, and the price the lady was asking for it I passed on it. The soonest I can look at it again is this Wednesday. I guess I need to make it a priority. Otherwise I will need to wait until October 1. I will try to take some pictures.

[Bill Murphy]

I agree with Brian. It is a scarce gun worth adding to your collection.

[John Truitt]

I was fortunate enough to recently pick up a 34" #2 frame 16. (one of our members is a true gentleman and was very kind in offering the gun to me :))

I really like the gun, its weight distribution/ balance/ etc.
It is the first 16 gauge I have ever handled that felt "right" to me. I cant wait to get her out at the Fall Southern.

Most 16s are too light/ whippy/ etc.

If the barrels are in good condition and it is mechanically sound I would rec you get her. Wood can always be fixed or replaced.

Brian and Mr Murphy have given you good advice.

Best of luck.

[Bruce Day]

It is a rare gun because it's too heavy for an upland 16 and for targets a 12 of that weight would have a better pattern and be more versatile.

[Bill Murphy]

Yeah, but how neat! A #2 frame 30" GH 16 floated around Maryland for a few years with no takers, years later showed up on gunbroker. I wonder if this is the same gun?

[Phillip Carr]

Well I went to look at. The 16 gauge today, and unfortunately my recall was incorrect. The S/N 129001 was actually a 1 1/2 frame not a 2. I'm guessing this is a lot more common. It's a VH that has a chip in the toe and a pin in the head. Barrel is good, some case still left. Sorry for the false alarm.

[Jim DiSpagno]

1 1/2 frame 16ga is a rare bird also. Most were either "0" or "1" frame guns

[Phillip Carr]

Thanks for the feedback Jim. Really didn't need any more shotguns, but had to go take another look.

[charlie cleveland]

a 1 1/2 frame 16 is gota be rare this is the first i have heard of one of these guns in a 16..phil i believe i would check this gun again and if price were not to bad i would bring it home to stay....charlie

[Phillip Carr]

It appears the gun was made in 1904, I guess it's not too bad to have survived for 111 years. For some reason I thought most 1 1/2 frame guns were made much later, and in 12 gauge. Any one else have a 16 gauge on 1 1/2 frame?

[Bill Murphy]

Nope, there are hardly any of them out there. Never seen one in 55 years of collecting Parkers, but there were probably a couple in a California auction of big frame smallbores more than a few years ago.

[Dean Romig]

I had a 1903 1 1/2 Frame GH 12





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[Phillip Carr]

I am guessing this must have been a special order gun. Looks like there are records. I will make an offer since it seems so Unusual. Barrel lug is definitely marked 1 1/2. I'll try to confirm these letter to the gun before making the offer.

[charlie cleveland]

let us know what turns up on this unusal 16 ga...charlie

[Patrick Lien]

Well I went to look at. The 16 gauge today, and unfortunately my recall was incorrect. The S/N 129001 was actually a 1 1/2 frame not a 2. I'm guessing this is a lot more common. It's a VH that has a chip in the toe and a pin in the head. Barrel is good, some case still left. Sorry for the false alarm.


That is a rare gun Phil. The 30" barrels alone are desirable to every shooter with a VH 1.5 frame 12 that wants a 2 barrel 2 gauge upland set. I would think guys would line up just to buy the barrels...... or maybe it's just me and Murphy that think this way :)

Patrick