Parker Safeties
 

When and/or why did Parker Safety buttons change?

Patrick

The one in the center is the early design replaced by the other (L & R) in 1917.

More ergonomic I suspect.

Coupled with the safety design change was a shorter top lever. The lower profile safety was likely done for styling. But moving the hump forward made nt enough comfortable room for the thumb when clicking it back. So the lever was shortened.

I like the looks of the later safety, but I think the operation and feel of the earlier one is better.

Patrick,

Even though there was a new style safety on some guns, you will see the old style well into the 1920s. It is whatever they picked out of the parts bin I am sure, as there were many of the old style being used until they were used up. I've got a 1922 and a 1924 with the old style, and I'm sure others will chime in with even "newer" guns with the old style safety.

I like the feel of the old style, especially putting it back to safe.

I agree with Mr Early. I have a 1923 Trojan (202066) with the old style of safety and I think you'll probably see the leftover early safeties more on the lower grades of Parkers.

I'm a fan of the old style, probably because that is what I grew up with, 145522 VH I much prefer the pull back. It's all second nature to me and I fumble a bit with a different style. I guess there was "new and improved" even back then. Sometimes it's just new. Cheers, Jack

I agree.

The new style is much less reliable with cold hands, and also for shooters with other difficulties with numbness of the hand and fingers. I like the bumblebee or junebug safety like on Purdeys. My in process project gun has this type of safety.

These guns came with safeties???