Half pistol grip stocks (round knob)

[Rick Riddell]

Was curious how many of you guys have a Parker with this style grip? Do you feel based on its shape it changes the dynamics of the more traditional pistol grip stock?

[Dean Romig]

I much prefer the true ball grip more often seen on lifters than any of the round knob or half pistol grips. I believe the true ball grip gives the shooter better control of the gun in almost all handling and shooting situations.





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[Rick Riddell]

I haven’t had the opportunity to handle a ball grip, but do notice a big difference between the half grip and pistol. I wasn’t sure if it’s just me or an actual difference.

[Mills Morrison]

I have one hammerless ball grip and several hammer ball grips. I agree with Dean's assessment, although my hammerless ball grip is a good gun

[scott kittredge]

I have had 2 of them and i think that they feel better than a capped grip stocked guns.
Scott

[charlie cleveland]

never gave it much thought till now....charlie

[Dean Romig]

These ball grips are my favorite style.

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[Dean Romig]

This is a 'half pistol grip' on a very nice CH, or a 'round knob grip' or as usually referred to in the Parker records, a 'pistol grip" as opposed to a 'capped pistol grip.'


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[Daryl Corona]

I have a couple ball and 1 pistol grip and they are preferred over the standard grip but I still prefer the straight grip over all of the above.

[Ted Hicks]

Dean, do you think what you show would be considered more of a true Prince of Wales grip as compared to a Parker half pistol grip?

I have a DH 12 gauge with 30" barrels and a Parker half pistol grip, but I use it more for turkeys. I've shot a peasant or two with it and I do like the handling and appearance of the rounded pistol grip style. One day I hope to own a gun configured for upland bird hunting with that grip style. I think upland hunting would be a truer test for whether it provided an advantage in handling compared to a standard pistol grip or straight grip stock.

[Rick Roemer]

I like the half pistol grip stocks. In my limited experience- I haven’t seen near as many examples as the other grip types. Maybe they were not as popular with buyers?

[Dean Romig]

Dean, do you think what you show would be considered more of a true Prince of Wales grip as compared to a Parker half pistol grip?.


Ted, here’s the letter. It’ a “half pistol grip” according to Parker Bros. In 1896.

Again though, I consider the best grip, ergonomically speaking as regards handling and control, is the true ball grip which has a definite and pronounced swell considerably wider than the wrist of the grip as shown on the 1896 CH.

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[Dean Romig]

This is from a previous thread concerning the POW grip.

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[Russell E. Cleary]

This is a 'half pistol grip' on a very nice CH, or a 'round knob grip' or as usually referred to in the Parker records, a 'pistol grip" as opposed to a 'capped pistol grip.'


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OK, “half pistol”, “round knob”, and even “pistol” (in Parker records) all denote the same grip.

Now comes Diggory Hadoke in VINTAGE GUNS, page 71, calling it, “semi-pistol-grip”.

So many synonyms are bound to make for continued confusion.

[Mark Ray]

Ok, so one of my first “on purpose” Parker purchases was a fairly early VH 12, 2 frame 30” with letter matching “half pistol” grip. I wanted the gun because almost without exception, the gun, guns, I have used for both box bird, and hand thrown live pigeons (for money) have been lightning model, superposed, or citori brownings. The grip is almost identical. Because of the tens of thousands of rounds i have shot that configuration, since i was 15, it just feels natural. That being said, I still much prefer a Straight stock for rising game.