Comparing a 1 1/2 frame to a 3 frame
 

I just thought the comparison was interesting. The gun on top is a VH 12 gauge on a 1 1/2 frame. The gun on bottom is a BHE 12 gauge on a 3 frame.

That is a fun exercise. The 3 frame 12s dwarf the others

If I was carrying my gun on a hunt I’d sure rather carry the 1 1/2 frame. If I was in a duck blind or turkey blind I’d prefer the 3 frame...





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Another testament to Parker craftsmen.

A 0 frame and a 6 frame.

Attachment 71193

And both vent rib guns too.





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Did other American double makers have the multiple frame size options Parker did?

None had as many as Parker -- by far they had more different frame sizes.

Not to the extent Parker did. There are probably other examples but the LC with their regular weight and feather weight frames come to mind.

It’s amazing to me that at one time in our country we were that service oriented to provide that many options. I collect classic cars too and I see the same multitude of options that were available to customers back then. We have really changed.

If you get the chance look at some spanish 10 gauges. Collector's firearms used to have some Aya 10s that looked like clubs without the barrels on them.

6 frame. That's a lot of metal

What's the gouge on the left side of the #6 watertable?

Smith had more than simply the featherweight and regular. Within each category, each gauge has its own specific frame. The only shared frame is the regular 16/20. So, that means 7 different frames in total by my count. All others are unique to eachother. And you cannot create a multi-gauge set. The only way they exist is if they were factory built.

Not only the frames. My Grandfather's 3-frame PH-Grade 12-gauge has barrels with a lot of swamp and weighs just over 8 1/2 pounds while my 1889, 2-frame, GH-Grade has very straight barrels and weighs a fraction of an ounce over nine pounds.

Right. These days it’s “Here it is, like it or lump it.”






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I’m always amazed by the huge weight differnces even within the same frame size.

My 12 gauge 1.5 frame 28” PH letters 7lbs 1oz. I’ve seen a 1 frame 16 gauge 26” letter the same. + a 2 frame 12 gauge 28” letter to 7lbs 2oz.

John Davis: 3 frame 12ga BHE that is a rare gun.

We all had a chance at that "rare" gun just a short time ago. John Davis stepped up to the plate and wrote the check. Great gun.

As my wife often says "you snooze, you lose" Money talks. I hope we are able to see this gun in person soon

OK Thanks now I remember the gun.

I've got one 3 frame. A 12 ga. Lifter from 1874. Based on grade, and dimensions, I'm guessing it was a pigeon gun. Should have an F350 Super Duty emblem on it.
Now, a 6 frame. That's some kinda stout gun. You could rig a horse to it and plow a field if you wanted.

I take it your 1874 3 frame is not marked with the frame size? Guns from that era usually are not marked.

Correct. I'm going by firing pin width.

Mills, to have a wife who says "you snooze, you lose" to a Parker collector is one fine and brave woman.
As to the comparison of a 1.5 to a 6 frame, one is a shotgun, the other could be considered a small cannon.

Not a gouge. Just some light pitting that is where the barrel flat sat on the frame on that side.