UNIQUE PARKER

[Stephen Hodges]

This is an unique parker.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=232630427

[Bill Murphy]

Big 16, 4-2 barrels, 1 1/2 frame. Not as big as my 9 pound #3 frame 16, but much prettier.

[Pete Lester]

Bill did you ever discover any definitive information regarding that 3 frame 16ga and why it was ordered to be so heavy? I know we talked about it before but I am suffering some CRS :-)

[Bill Murphy]

Pete, the original order only gives the requested weight which was 8-8 to 8-10. It shipped at 8-13. It was not a long barrel waterfowl gun, just a 28", real heavy, bird gun. It has fairly open chokes and it is difficult to miss a skeet bird with it. It is a true special order with specified stock dimensions, "Number 1 Butt", figured wood, 2 1/2 frame (#3), light trigger pulls, and 200 patterns in both barrels. 200 would be 50% with an ounce of #8 at 40 yards, a light improved cylinder. I think that the 30" target at 40 yards had been used at that time. The gun has about as many special order features as 99% of V Grades. The gun was sent to Wisconsin, apparently a grouse gun for a big guy. The unstruck barrel weight is 4-13, a real heavy set of 28" barrels. Somehow the gun made it to Greenville, North Carolina where I found it. It is still in its original configuration with good barrels, bore, and original dogs head #1 butt. It is almost completely devoid of original finish, a white, unblemished gun. It is solid as a rock, lever position about used up, and handles about as well as any bird gun I've ever handled, as long as I don't have to carry it far.

[Pete Lester]

I remember Scott Kittredge pointing it out to me when it was for sale on GB. a nearly 9lb 16ga, you forgot to mention does not kick much :-) I can't imagine there was much demand for such a HEAVY 16 back then. Bill if you have room please bring the gun to Hausmann's I would like to see it and see how it handles. Thanks.