Just bought my first Parker...
 

Hi folks - I'm new to the board and need a cool old timer like the one's that got me into hunting many moons ago to lend me a hand. I just bought my first Parker and I want to learn a bit more about the gun. Here's what I know from looking at it:

16 ga
Takes 2 3/4 shells
Serial #124345 - matches on the forend and the receiver
28 inch barrels - uncut
Choked Mod & IC
On the inside of the receiver is a V above the serial number and on the other side is the date May 7 - Oct 8, 1889 - Not sure if that's the date of manufacture or not.

I think it's an O frame maybe a VH but I'm only going by pictures of the other guns I'm finding on the web. No shield in the stock but some VH's I'm finding have it and some don't.

Anything anyone can tell me would be great.

Welcome Mr Savage221... two comments:

1) Pictures can save a lot of typing and grab the interest of people who can help you. Try posting some of the receiver, the barrel flats, and the water table. Numerous experts will likely help you learn about your gun.

2) The management here insists that people use their real names. So you should send John Dunkle (administrator) a note to change your log in.

Thanks for letting me know about the login name. Just ask to be changed to my name, Pete Savage.

Where is the water table?

Hi Pete,

Welcome aboard! Your login is all set - and as well as your posts updated.. Also - just remember, that your new login is:

Pete Savage

should you need to login from another computer, OK??:

Again - welcome to the forum!

John

Pete,

You may want to read the link off the www.parkerguns.org main page: click on "Parker Identification" and "Parker Grades". I think it may answer some of your question.

thanks, it did.

I think what I have is have a VH 1 frame made in 1904.

what's the difference between an 0 frame and a 1 frame?

The O frame is smaller and also used for 20 ga. guns. I think the O framed is more desired.

0-Frame has firing pins spaced 1 inch apart (1 and ZERO -sixteenths) measured from the centers.

1-Frame has firing pins spaced 1-1/16 inches apart (1 and ONE-sixteenths)

2-Frame has firing pins spaced 1-1/8 inches apart (1 and TWO-sixteenths)

Get it?

Jim

V's came standard with a brass badge on the bottom edge of the stock approximately halfway between the pistol grip and the butt plate. I've never seen an original Parker V grade stock without it but I can't say that I have seen thousands of V's, hundreds yes, thousands no.

While determinations are imperfect, the consensus is that 16's were about 60% 1 frame and 40% 0 frame. Configurations being equal, an 0 frame 16 will weigh a few ounces less than a 1 frame, the weight coming out of the frame and the barrels adjacent the breech.

My personal view favors the 0 frame for carrying and the 1 frame for shooting a lot. All other conditions being equal again, I see the market slightly favoring the 0 frame guns. There is a certain cachet to an 0 frame 16, but its individual choice. The 16ga often has a reputation for hard kicking, and its because many were made light for the load used. Its not something a hunter who shoots maybe 10 shells a day would even notice.

Thanks for the comments. I'm going to buy an after market shield inlay and have it put in by a professional. New butt recoil too.

I wanted the gun for hunting but I want it to look right to.