Hinged Front Trigger in Higher Grade Parkers
 

According to TPS Vol. I pg. 321 the "Hinged Front Trigger" was standard on grade 6 guns and higher after about 1923. I have Parker Catalogs from 1926, 1927 and 1929, but they do not mention this feature. My AH from 1927 has the hinged front trigger.

Is this feature ever mentioned in Parker Catalogs? Was it ever discussed in Parker ads, brochures or other promotional materials? Does it ever show up in the orders or other records? Is there ever a cost associated with the feature? It's curious to me that this feature is not mentioned more prominently (or at all). It's definitely a nice touch and distinguishing feature of their higher grade guns.

Garry I have a CHE 20 with a hinged front trigger. It letters as such.

Reggie, Thanks for the information. So, the exception to the "rule" again. Parker would accommodate the discerning buyer, as no doubt the person who order your C was.

I have a BHE live bird gun with an articulated front trigger.

Thanks, Rich. If you have a letter on the gun...does the order mention it?

I have one somewhere, I'll look and report back.

My letter states the "hinged trigger cost $4.50".

The only mention in the letter regarding triggers is the trigger pull of 4lbs and that they were to be checkered.

I have a DHE with one, it's pretty neat. Mine is the typical trap/live bird configuration, no safety, English stock, long barrels, lots of choke etc. Unfortunately no letter available.

I find it interesting that -- apparently -- this feature received so little mention.

Would like to see a picture of this trigger type. Have never seen one. Cheers Jack

Jack, It's not a very noticeable feature. Unfortunately, the photo I have is very poor (I tried to enlarge it, but to little avail). I did not know this gun had the hinged trigger when I bought it, and it was only after I was cleaning it that I noticed it. Maybe someone else has a better photo.

Mine wasn't mentioned when I bought it either, it's kind of an unusual feature and apparently often overlooked. I'm guessing they are for shooters that need the room but don't want a single trigger/

Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm still a bit baffled by the lack of reference to this feature in Parker publications. My collection of catalogs and other printed information is very slim, so maybe there is some mention somewhere. I'll keep looking. If anyone else finds something, could you please let me know?

Thanks again!

The only place I found the the hinged front trigger mentioned was in the flying goose catalog from 1926 to 1930. It states that in the A1 special, AA and A grade, the hinged front trigger is fitted to this gun with no extra charge, affording more room between triggers.

Thanks so much, Jeff. I'll go back and check my 1927 catalog. Maybe it's the anomaly, or maybe I just missed the reference. I appreciate your checking your catalogs and responding.

Does anyone actually have a photo of a Parker hinged tirgger mechanism out of a gun? I have not yet encountered one in hand.

I’d be interested in seeing this also. I wonder just how common the hinged trigger really is.

I would bet they are not very common at all. If you had sausage fingers or wanted to wear gloves a single trigger would be a much better option.

My AAHE and AHE both have the hinged trigger.