It's hard to find an AHE 32" Parker or a Whitworth Steel Purdey hammer pigeon gun in anything but 12 gauge. It's all in what you're looking for. Little sub bore bird guns get tiring when shooting box birds or competitive sporting clays. I won't be selling my 12 gauges any time soon.

I'll take a Parker especially high grade 12 bore In a 1/2 frame or a 12 bore 1 frame parker , you can shoot 12,16 :) and 1 frame 20 bore.

No question the market for small bore Parkers keeps accelerating, just look at the asking prices of major dealers and auction results from top auction houses. They must be selling to someone. 12ga above C grade also bring strong prices if in original condition. The lack of supply of 12 ga C grade and above keeps prices strong and growing. 12ga in grades 0,1,2, are dogs in the market unless in very high condition. As many have stated it's just supply and demand. The internet has changed everything including Parker sales and values. It's a national market with literally thousands of choices if your searching for a Parker. The best value in Parkers today is a 12ga DH(E).

Pat, one of my 1/2 frames is a two barrel set in 12 and 16. Thanks for mentioning the possibility.

I completely agree with this statement. I’m surprised at how LITTLE a 12 gauge DH(E) brings these days! I can’t afford NOT to have one! Which means that’s the next thing I’ll have to actively seek.

20s have replaced the 12. With few exceptions

Where I come from if you don't shoot a 12 you ain't shooting a real gun. 'Course, it has to be an auto - or a pump if you're a second-class citizen - and if that 12 will handle 3" mags, so much the better. 20's are for kids or girls, and 16's...why hell; nobody shoots them old relics any more. Can you even get shells for 'em? 12's are real popular here...so long as you can stuff 4-5 shells into 'em :rotf:

Phil, if you're talking about Browning A-5s, I can get nine shells into mine. :rotf::rotf:

Another gauge that doesn't get much respect is the 16. Lower grade Parker 16's seem to command only a modest premium over 12's. You get very close to a 20ga without parting with as much money. Owning a 16 almost requires that you reload, but a small sacrifice IMHO.

I will admit that I’m living in a pretty narrow lane of the shooting world. (Very narrow when you consider I’m presently at the Grand American shooting my Parker SBT and side by side.). But as a result, nearly every gun I own these days is a 12 gauge. I find I have very little use for anything else. I still keep a couple of 20’s and a 16 for the occasional quail hunt. So, it really does come down to what your interests and goals are. And in the greater shotgun shooting world 12’s are still the most popular gauge, with 20’s running a close second. Just my opinion.