32" VH 20

[Phillip Carr]

I purchased what I thought would be a set of 32" barrels to fit on my DH 20 that originally had 32" barrels. These were the barrels Tom Archer let us know about a few weeks ago. As it turned out the seller found the receiver and since the barrels came with a receiver I have decided to put this VH back together. I think it would be a sin to part this gun out, now I have all of the major parts. Possibly I can locate a VH on a #1 frame with missing or bad barrels and put this gun back together, or find the individual parts. I ordered a Parker letter last week and hope to have it shortly. I would like to find the history on this gun, but it will also tell me the configuration as it was when delivered. This is what I know so far. It is a 1 frame, built in 1917. 32" barrels with a center ivory bead, almost perfect bores. Barrels need to be re-blued, but has a nice complete forend. Chambers appear to be 2 7/8 using a plug style gauge. Both barrels are choked full as might be expected. The capped pistol grip butt stock and trigger guard are missing. Also need both sears, and one sear spring, it was fitted with the early style dual springs. Oh course all of the screws. The frame has mainly surface rust except for one small patch is in good condition and screws are unturned. I really need to decide if I will try to have an original stock fit, or have a new butt stock made to my specs. Anyway I will post the letter once I receive it as I know these 32" guns are of interest to the members. I will also at that time, place an ad for the items I will need.
Bill's recent experience with his c grade barrels tells me that I should not give up the hunt for the original Damascus barrels for my GH 20 gauge. The serial number for that guns barrels is 105459. So if anyone knows where these barrels are, or can keep me in mind if you ever see these barrels it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Phil

[Don Kaas]

I have VHE 32" 16g #191919 #1 frame with a bad set of barrels, I'd move on. Straight grip and pistol grip stocks and in very nice condition if you disregard the blown right barrel if it's any help.

[Brian Dudley]

Phil,

It sounds like you have a very nice project there. It was great that you have the receiver for the barrels too.

[Phillip Carr]

Mr Kass,
I sent you a private email.
Thanks Phil

[Phillip Carr]

MR Kaas,

I have sent several private emails to you. Unfortunately when I go back in to see if there is a response my email has disappeared. Please contact me at couse3pt@cox.net if you could.

Thanks Phil

[Don Kaas]

PM sent. Sorry for the tardy reply. Being a lawyer takes up way too much of my time...

[Phillip Carr]

I agree, work keeps interferring with my hunting. Don I am not sure my PM are working. Did you receive my address?

[Phillip Carr]

I received my Parker letter today. Wish there was a first name or address for MR Adams. I can only guess he was a duck hunter based on the gun spec's

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss14/Philcarr/Parker/ParkerVHLetter0001.jpg

[Brian Dudley]

Phil,

Thanks for sharing the letter with us. What nice modern dimensions that gun had originally. Most would be glad to take those today. I wonder why ype of sights were the Lymans ordered...

[Kenny Graft]

That is a heavy 20ga. was it on a O frame?

[Phillip Carr]

This 20 gauge is built on a 1 frame. As far as the Lyman sights I am guessing that they wanted the double ivory beads for low light conditions. The barrel as it sits right now has a brass front bead that was clearly replaced. The center bead is ivory but has been broken off and not much is left. I will attempt to find a set of real ivory beads to install as part of the restoration project. If anyone has a set or knows where I can find them please let me know. Lyman makes a " plastic" ivory looking bead, but prefer to replace with real ivory.
Thanks Phil

[Kenny Graft]

Brad Bachelder did a center bead for me with ivory...nice job

[Robert Delk]

I think Galazan's has real ivory beads also.

[charlie cleveland]

i believe jerry andrews posted and said he had several of the ivory beads...phil i sure hope you find every thing for that 20 ga ive lusted for a long barrel 20 or 16 ga for many moons.... charlie

[Phillip Carr]

Thanks guys I will be talking with Jerry next week. Thanks to Jim DiSpagno I believe I have most everything I need to put this gun together. The stock will be the final item I will need to have made. I will restock it back to original demensions. Will be a 1/2 longer then I like but I can shoot it.

[Brian Dudley]

Phil,

If original dimensions work for you, then great. You will end up with a great piece in the end. A gun that letters correctly that you can also shoot.

[Destry L. Hoffard]

If the original dimensions aren't real shootable I'd have it stocked up to something that would work for the more general public. It will make the gun far more sale able if you ever want to move it down the road. Even with the original cut to the stock, it will still be a restrock.



Destry