Parker VH Trigger Plate Gap
 

1926 Parker VH has gap in front of trigger plate. It looks like this may have been caused by dent from dropping or reinstalling the plate and forcing the screws with something underneath or not seated properly. Otherwise, it's a great gun. Presuming (I know) that this is a minor issue, any suggestions on a remedy for this minor flaw. If a gunsmith is recommended, does anyone recommend a gunsmith near Dayton, Ohio?

I would say not seated, should be taken care of.

Some kind of crud must have been in the floor plate recess when those two screws were torqued down.
When the floor plate is removed to facilitate thorough cleaning the plate may require some minor and careful straightening.




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Thanks Dean. Do you think this is a job for a gunsmith or is it pretty simple?

Whatever you do, don't hit or even tap the floorplate in the front; the leading edge of the plate is thicker on one side of the cocking slide plunger than on the other. You will see from time to time guns with little chips or pieces broken off the front rim of the floorplate as a result of having been rapped with screwdriver handles, plastic mallets, and in the worse cases steel hammers.

It could not be seated, or could be damaged. It looks to me like it is just not seated. The plate should be removed, everything cleaned and inspected for damage. They can get dented or distorted, but this will usually only happen on the one side at the front where it is thinnest. Yours looks like it is proud all across the front. Yours may be a combination of both issues.

A job for a gunsmith or not?… that completely depends on your aptitude.

Matt Begley is near Dayton, and works on Parkers.
Black Diamond Gun Works. Google him

Thanks everyone! Really appreciate the information and contact.

Gunsmith... Removing and reinstalling the floor plate is not a simple process for someone who has not done it several times.





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Looks like Matt Begley is booked and not accepting new work. If anyone knows of another good Parker-knowledgeable gunsmith near Dayton, please let me know. There’s a good gun shop nearby (Olde English Outfitters) that might have a contact, too. It’s too big an unknown for me to risk trying it myself.