3 frame 12 gauge DH

[Brian Hornacek]

What is the rarity of such a gun with titanic barrels, 12 gauge, #3 frame, DH, 30"?

Thanks!

[Craig Larter]

I would say #3 frame 12ga guns are uncommon but not rare. Since frame size was not recorded on most orders/records it is impossible to know the actual number (one knowledgeable collector has guessed 1%). They have great appeal to collectors interested in waterfowl guns. The ones I have measured and weighed come in at about 8 1/2 lbs. One had factory 2 7/8" chambers and one had 3" factory chambers. I have seen #3 frame 12ga in VHE, DHE, and CHE. They don't come along every day and nice condition examples are even more uncommon. If you can post pictures and specs it would be greatly appreciated.
Use the search function and you will see many old posts discussing this topic.

[charlie cleveland]

3 frame guns are good water fowl guns..i have one that is hammerless with twist barrels and 2 3/4 inch chambers and weighs 9 1/4lbs...it is also a fine squirl gun....your a luckey fellow to have a 3 frame not many out there especially for sale...charlie

[Mills Morrison]

I have the barrels of a PH 3 frame 12 gauge that now go with my DH 10 gauge

[charlie cleveland]

mills you have a great set up there for sure..hunt with a 10 in the morning and with a 12 that evening...i have never thought to see if my 3 frame 12 ga would fit my 3 frame 10....charlie

[Mills Morrison]

This is the one Brian Dudley restored for me and which I wrote up in Parker Pages. It is a great gun and is probably better now than when it rolled out of Meriden.

[Brian Hornacek]

Thanks for input guys. I was offered this gun and as many deals go l, I did not purchase. Peplaced wood from a VH, screws all turned needing replaced, no finish on receiver and barrel blue well worn........but it is a 3 frame DH 12ga.

[Bill Murphy]

My favorite #3 frame is a two barrel 12 gauge Damascus set with 30" and 28" barrels in a wood case that the previous owner apparently made for it. The gun letters as a two barrel set. It now has an Infallible trigger that works well.

[Destry L. Hoffard]

Never assume a DH with VH barrels wasn't done at the factory. My GH 10 gauge has VH magnum barrels on it and they're clearly factory work. Started life as a damascus gun I'm sure, then was sent back for the black barrels in later years.

DLH

[Ed Blake]

Not sure how rare they are, but they are relatively unusual. I have two of them and they balance between your hands making them excellent shooters. If you can, buy it; you won't regret it.

[charlie cleveland]

i tried my 3 frame 12 ga on the 3 frame 10 and they would not fit ...it would take a lot of work to make them fit up rite...they are about 60000 numbers apart...it was just a whim of mine....charlie