Parker VH Trigger Plate Gap

[Samuel Studebaker]

1926 Parker VH has gap in front of trigger plate. It looks like this may have been caused by dent from dropping or reinstalling the plate and forcing the screws with something underneath or not seated properly. Otherwise, it's a great gun. Presuming (I know) that this is a minor issue, any suggestions on a remedy for this minor flaw. If a gunsmith is recommended, does anyone recommend a gunsmith near Dayton, Ohio?

[Steve Huffman]

I would say not seated, should be taken care of.

[Dean Romig]

Some kind of crud must have been in the floor plate recess when those two screws were torqued down.
When the floor plate is removed to facilitate thorough cleaning the plate may require some minor and careful straightening.




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[Samuel Studebaker]

Thanks Dean. Do you think this is a job for a gunsmith or is it pretty simple?

[Kevin McCormack]

Whatever you do, don't hit or even tap the floorplate in the front; the leading edge of the plate is thicker on one side of the cocking slide plunger than on the other. You will see from time to time guns with little chips or pieces broken off the front rim of the floorplate as a result of having been rapped with screwdriver handles, plastic mallets, and in the worse cases steel hammers.

[Brian Dudley]

It could not be seated, or could be damaged. It looks to me like it is just not seated. The plate should be removed, everything cleaned and inspected for damage. They can get dented or distorted, but this will usually only happen on the one side at the front where it is thinnest. Yours looks like it is proud all across the front. Yours may be a combination of both issues.

A job for a gunsmith or not?… that completely depends on your aptitude.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Matt Begley is near Dayton, and works on Parkers.
Black Diamond Gun Works. Google him

[Samuel Studebaker]

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate the information and contact.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Dean. Do you think this is a job for a gunsmith or is it pretty simple?


Gunsmith... Removing and reinstalling the floor plate is not a simple process for someone who has not done it several times.





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[Samuel Studebaker]

Looks like Matt Begley is booked and not accepting new work. If anyone knows of another good Parker-knowledgeable gunsmith near Dayton, please let me know. There’s a good gun shop nearby (Olde English Outfitters) that might have a contact, too. It’s too big an unknown for me to risk trying it myself.

[John Dallas]

Is Jaqua's in Findley giving out referrals?

[Richard Flanders]

I bought a Parker that had a non-flush floor plate and dealt with it easily myself. The floor plates are very soft and easy to straighten using a small leather or rubber hammer and a block of - very flat - aluminum or hard wood as an "anvil".

[Aaron Beck]

I have seen them cracked at the plunger retaining set screw, some may be harder than others?

[Samuel Studebaker]

Thanks guys. I talked with a gunsmith a little bit, and he mentioned the metal sometimes needing heat (can be brittle). Ultimately, I’m going to defer to him for repairs. While he’s at it, a good checkup, clean and lube can’t hurt since it’s a new gun to me.

[Samuel Studebaker]

Thanks Harold for the Matt Begley suggestion. He called me out of the blue yesterday after I left a message (thought he was booked up). Dropped my VH 16 off with him today, and he's taking care of it for me. Didn't seem to think it was a big deal. Seems like a really good guy.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Great. Glad it worked out, and you don't have to ship it out!

[Samuel Studebaker]

So . . . short update: Dropped my VH off with Matt Begley today in Osgood, Ohio. We talked for quite a while, and he showed me a few interesting jobs he's working on. Nice guy. He doesn't seem to think the trigger plate is a big deal and says it is an easy fix (which was a relief) and is going to install a spurred buttplate (either the one I brought him or an original from an old project) and have a name plate that a previous owner affixed filed down and re-engraved with the old Studebaker script logo. Anyway, I'm hoping to have the gun back in March some time and will keep you all posted. Thanks to all who offered advice about this gun. I know that some thought that the butt replacement was unnecessary, but it is an appointment that I thought was really nice in the earlier Parkers. It has been a real pleasure purchasing from a nice gentleman in Maryland and getting opinions from this awesome forum.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Sam, there were several Studebakers in the Dayton area that were optometrists, like myself. Park Studebaker was 1 yr ahead of me at Ohio State.

[Samuel Studebaker]

Harold, I sent you a private message. Thanks again!