I have several questions about Parker frame sizes?
 

I have been looking for a new to me Parker since I bought my first one about 2 years ago. It's a #1 frame 12 ga.GH. I'm curious to find out what is your favorite frame sized gun for the different types of hunting that you do. Also, I have been wanting to know if people special ordered specific frames sized guns back in the day. What are some of the rarer gauge-frame size combinations and most and least desirable combinations. Looking forward to hearing your responses.

Being a fan of the smaller gauge guns my input would be that 1 frame 20 gauge guns are a difficult find. I happen to have two of those that I turkey hunt with. The Widgeon Duck Club twenty gauge guns were also one frame guns ordered for the storied CA duck club. For upland hunting a 20 gauge 0 frame is hard to beat, as is the 00 frame 28 gauge.

A customer more likely requested a specific weight and the Brothers P picked a frame size to deliver that weight. A requested balance could play into it as well.

Is there any documentation available to the public that shows how many guns of each gauge and frame sizes were built?

Not that anyone is aware of.

What's about the biggest frame size for a 12 ga. that is desirable?

I used to be a “lighter the better” person. I have a modest collection of 0 and 1 frame Parkers as a result. I still prefer these light weight guns for long days afield with few opportunities to shoot. 12, 16, 20, 28. They all are fine for long days and minimal shooting. I used a 0 frame 16 today and walked for 6 hours and took 5 birds. More recently I have been interested in waterfowl specific guns or guns to shoot high volume such as sporting clays. To me, a heavier frame is a better choice for these endeavors. I believe the heavier weight keeps the gun moving and also is lighter on recoil. 2 or 3 frames shine here. So in my opinion you need them all! From what I have learned frame size was determined at the factory by the weight requested and not a specific customer request option.

Specific frame sizes were not cataloged. Customers would commonly specify the target weight of the gun. And it was the factories job to match up the barrels with the right frame sizes to meet that weight.

In 12ga 30" guns #2 frames normally weigh 7lbs 12oz to 8lbs, #3 12ga 30" 8lbs 6oz+, #1 frame normally weight less than 7lbs 6oz. But there are may exceptions. For upland birds a #1 frame 12ga would be perfect, unless you want to pay up for a Parker small bore. Parker small bores are not real light compared to like a Fox. For ducks over decoys a #2 frame 30" is hard to beat, for long range waterfowl late in the season with heavy loads a #3 frame 12ga is hard to beat.

Both of my Doubles trap guns are 30 inch 12 gauges on 1 1/2 size frames.