Purpose of frame sizes...

[Brian Drake]

Taking the 12 gauge guns as an example, I noticed available frames sizes ranged from 1/2 to 2. Is this a function of what loads were intended for each frame size (e.g. BP vs. smokeless or low-base vs. high-base), or simply a matter of some folks wanting lighter, fast-swinging bird guns? Did the 1 1/2 frame have any particular story in Parker development? Thanks again!

Brian

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Brian,

Parker also made 12 gauge guns on #3 frames. I own 12 gauge Parkers on frame sizes 1,2, and 3.
The #1 frame guns weigh 7 to 7.5 lbs.
The #2 frame guns weigh under 8 lbs to almost 9 lbs.
The #3 frame gun weighs 10 lbs.

From the above rather small sample set one could deduce their intended uses. A light gun for long upland hunts with loads that won't loosen every filling in one's mouth. The #2 frames are great all around guns from pheasants to ducks to targets with light to occasional use of heavy loads. Finally, the big old #3 frame at 10 lbs was likely ordered for the duck blind or boat with heavy loads.

The Parker order books list guns by weight not frame size.

Just my not so humble opinion...
Mark

[B. Dudley]

Frame sizes were used in order to allow a given weight in a gun.
It is important to note that there is no mention of frame sizes in Parker catalogs. So, a customer would not order a specific frame size. They would however order a desired weight and. Parker would use the appropriate frame size for the length/weight of barrels in order to yield the required finished weight.

[Researcher]

I've said this many times before -- With all their frame sizes, the Brothers P did all manner of weird and wonderful things which keeps us coming back for more. The larger frame doesn't always necessarily make for a heavier gun. My 2 frame 1889 vintage 12-gauge has vert heavy "straight" barrels with almost no "swamp" and weighs a fraction of an ounce over nine pounds. Quite muzzle heavy. My Grandfathers 1890 vintage 12-gauge is on a 3-frame and weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces and its 30-inch barrels swamp in very fast. Weight between the hands.

While most people think of the late 1/2 frame 12-gauges as being light "bird guns" there is at least one over eight pound 1/2 frame 12-gauge double trap gun.

[Bill Murphy]

I'm not sure the #6 frame 12 gauge that Jack Puglisi listed for sale was made as a 12 gauge. I would like to see the PGCA letter on that gun. Anyone remember the serial number?

[Researcher]

I saved these pictures of the 6-frame VH-Grade 12-gauge --





Don't have the serial number though.

[charlie cleveland]

that 6 frame 12 ga is my kinda gun i love the old heavy weights...charlie

[Bill Murphy]

Sorry Dave couldn't provide us with a serial number to research.

[Richard Flanders]

Maybe that #6 frame 12 was special ordered by a guy who blew up a gun and said "never again!"...? What a beast!

I have a 2-frame 30" damascus DH12 that definitely feels light and weighs right at or just a hair over 7#, which is a little less than my 26" 1-1/2 frame VH12 weighs. Go figure.

[Brian Drake]

So frame sizes were a function of desired weight, and not based on the load intended to be used?

Brian