28-gauge frame size
 

What do we know about when 28-gauges got the 00-frame?

From my observations all the 28-gauges into the 1564xx serial number range (circa 1911) I've recorded are on the O-frame. The next 28-gauge I've recorded is in the 1652xx range and is on the 00-frame (circa 1913).

I have a set of 28-gauge barrels, on a 0 frame, that date 1907.

The 28-gauge barrels are not for sale. Sorry to get your heart rates up!

My list has # 159161 as last 0 frame 1912
163493 first 00 frame 1913.
There is # 162971 that has questionable milled groves in water table that was talked about here a while ago.

I think the penny may have just dropped!! Ithaca Gun Co. introduced a 28-gauge version of their Flues Model in 1912 and were advertising their 28-gauges as light as 4 3/4-pounds.

Ithace made a lot of 28 gauge guns and several of them were made with 24” barrels. I’ve had two of those. Talk about light…!!





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my Reproduction 28 is on a 00 frame. I assume they all were made on the 00 frame

People put a lot more emphasis on the weight of their guns, especially as they get older. I've owned a couple 00 framed 28ga. (I'm not counting the few Repros) and many 0 framed.
Balance seems to be an afterthought, and when they don't balance well, the short barreled 0 frame guns get that 'whippy' feel. I think it may have been a mistake for Parker to discontinue the 0 frame 28 ga. guns. The two Parker 28s I have, both 0 framed and both in the high 150xxx range, are 28" and 30", and I often think they are damned near perfect.