Serial # Help with 16ga's

[Mike.Smith]

Hi,

I've got two serial numbers from 16ga guns that I'm hoping someone can help me with. One is a VH 232452, and the other is a VHE 145445. Would like to know what the serialization book says for both.

Thanks!

Mike

[Rick Losey]

since you know the V grade and 16 gauge

232452 shows as 28" capped pistol grip no extras

145445 also show as 28" capped pistol grip no extras

[Mike.Smith]

Rick, thanks for the quick reply! The VH matches the book, but the VHE is currently sporting a set of 32 inch barrels that are serial numbered to the gun. :shock:

This leads me to my second question, which is how rare are 32" 16ga VHE's?

Mike

[Rick Losey]

I double checked, that is what the book says. I would expect 32" barrels to be less than common on a 16.
With the ejectors also not listed, have you checked for Remington repair codes on the barrels?

[Dave Noreen]

According to the tables in The Parker Story, there was a total of 14,446 VH-/VHE-Grade Parker doubles produced, with 216 having 32-inch barrels. So, scarce, but not rare. They actually made five more 20-gauges with 32-inch barrels, with about 4000 less total 20-gauge VH-/VHE-Grades.

[Daryl Corona]

Mike;
I've got VHE 185048, 16ga, 32", st grip, shipped originally to San Francisco, CA. in 1919 and now resting comfortably on the east coast. I'm assuming yours is a 1 frame. How are the chokes? BTW- great job on the photos in PP. You got the coveted position on the back cover.:bowdown:

[Mike.Smith]

Thanks Daryl, I was certainly surprised and appreciative of the nod for the pictures in the most recent issue. I certainly had a good time taking them.

I've tried to attach a photo of this 16ga that I took with my phone. I'm not on my computer right now, and not sure if this will work or not. The VH, now turned VHE is for sale in a store here. I didn't measure the chokes (didn't have my stuff with me), but I'm expecting full/full. It's a shooter, having been used heavily. Forearm checkering is worn smooth, stock checkering is better, but worn and missing in some spots. LOP is 14in to the DHBP. Bluing is about 40% and there are three dents in the right barrel. Bores are good, but the address on the rib is almost completely worn off. Locks up pretty tight, but the lever is a little left of center. He has it priced at $3,000 currently.

Mike

[Daryl Corona]

Well Mike as Dave says they are not rare but they are scarce. Go with your gut and if you can swing it offer him $2800. Looking back after a couple of years you'll not think that was too much money. Those 32" smallbores are really lovely to shoot and if the gun has'nt been fooled with you can gussy her up for a little more money and still come out OK.

[Mark Ouellette]

Mike,

A set of #1 Frame 32" 16 gauge barrels are probably worth $2000! If one needed a set made or sleeved into a monoblock the bill would be $3000+ and 6-12 months wait!

Go for it!
Mark

[Rick Losey]

I didn't measure the chokes (didn't have my stuff with me), but I'm expecting full/full.Mike

and that is why I put together that tool set that rides in the truck all the time.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg195/setterw/071212204030.jpg

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg195/setterw/2012-07-12_19-47-53_808.jpg

this year I got one I almost passed on as too thin and passed on one that looked ok but wasn't. =kit's paid for :)

[Chris Travinski]

Yep, buy it.

[John Taddeo]

Right from the start I think that would be great gun to own and would sure be a dream to swing (I knock no mans gun), although I do have a question. Being a new member and reading the various threads in this forum I notice on some occasions a gun that is not correct to the I.S. book is not regarded in the same light as one that is presumably correct. In this case, the relevance of the production numbers seem to outweigh the incorrect book reference. Looking ahead at future purchases how does one know the correct side of the fence. To be clear I think this gun would be a fantastic addition to any gun safe.. Does situational justification play any part .What say you.

[Rick Losey]

If the book is right for the original configuration, but was later fit with new barrels and ejectors by Parker or Remimgton (look for repair codes on the barrel flats) then I don't think the value is lessened.

[Dave Noreen]

A lot of errors can creep in when the data for 200000 or so guns are deciphered from hand written ledgers, and then entered into tables.