16 Gauge VH Butt Plate - Help!
 

I recently broke the butt plate on my Parker. I ordered a reproduction from N.C. Ordnance but it was too long and I am not having any luck finding one that is the correct dimensions.

The gun is a 16 Gauge VH, size 1 Frame made in 1908. The best I can measure the dimensions of the butt plate needed are 4-7/8" X 1-23/32". The butt plate has the spur and has a number 1 stamped underneath. All of the number 1 butt plates I have found are too large. I am fairly confident that the butt plate I broke is the original and the stock has not been modified.

I would appreciate any information on where I might be able to get a dogs head butt plate that would fit.

Thanks!

It is the number 1 sized plate that you need.

Any plate that you get will need fitting. And a little too big is of course better than too small.

I have the highest quality reproductions of plates available in stock if you wanted to purchase one.

The number 1 plate I ordered from N.C Ordnance would have to be sanded down to the checkering to make fit. Is sanding how you make fit?
Thanks.

There should still be a border left around the checkering. That is providing the butt on your gun was not altered at all.

#1 frame guns have buttplates all over the map. I have an original #1 frame gun with a buttplate smaller than any 28 or .410 in my collection. Try a #0 buttplate or let Brian fit one for you.

I have also found that there have been some number 1 plates on original guns that seem to be shorter than others. There may have been a period of manufacture where they used a different dimension for that size for some reason.
The issue with reproduction plates is that most are molded from used original plates. So any variation from that one that was molded can cause issues.

I have owned this gun for 20 years and have hunted it hard. Case coloring is gone, barrel bluing is worn but I consider that character that I have put on the gun. Not looking for a restoration, but I would like to get the dogs head butt plate back on.

Mr. Dudley, is this something that you think is possible if you had the gun?
Thanks!

How broken is it? Is repairing it an option?

1/3 of it is lost in the leaves of Wisconsin.

I had a similar issue. The stock on my GH may not have been original. I called NC Ordinance and he had me trace the buttstock and send him the pattern. He then sent me back a Parker period reproduction plate with a spur that fit that was not listed on his web site. Good luck.