"o" frame 16 production numbers

[Harold Pickens]

I was wondering how many O frame 16's were produced, and a breakdown as to grades also. Had a conversation with someone who said there were only a couple hundred made, and i said probably more like 2-3 thousand. I have 2 myself, a DHE and a GH.

[B. Dudley]

Impossible to know for sure. And it was far more than s couple hundred.

[GH-16]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

Impossible to know for sure. And it was far more than s couple hundred.

I agree with Brian and will add my take as well. My guess is the number of 16ga's on an O-frame is probably in the thousands rather than the hundreds. I presently own four a VH, two GH's and a DH & have had a few more pass through my hands. I also see them listed for sale here & on the other internet sales sites on a fairly consistent basis.

My observations also find them to thin out as you go up in grade. I see fewer in DH and above. Then when you add ejectors from DH on up the selection seems to thin even more.

[Fishtail]

My own observation is that about half of the 16's made were 0 frame. They are not uncommon at all. Of course, I am discounting Trojans as they were all 1 frames. But finding a 16 in a 0 frame is very common.

[B. Dudley]

I agree with Greg on the 50% estimate. I was thinking that when I posted my original reply.

Since all 16g. Trojans were on 1 frames, that grade cannot really be considered in the numbers. Since the Trojan became a best seller after it's introduction. But among other grades, I would guess about half is a good figure.

I will add the observation that nearly all of the 16g. guns that I have taken in for work to my shop are 0 frame guns. But that means little in the whole picture. It just tells me that more people may be buying them and putting money into them over their 1 frame counterpart.

[Bill Murphy]

Good point Brian. 0 frames are generally older and need service and are also the darlings of collectors. #1 frame 16s are normally later guns and don't need work. I'm guessing there are a few more 0 frames than 1 frames but not as pretty or as well preserved. Yes, we are not counting Trojans.

[Jean Swanson]

Did Parker manufacture half frames 16 gauge guns and what was the frame size of all half frames ?? Also--what was the standard chamber length on all gauges from 12 to 28 and the choke bored from stock to final delivery ?
Allan

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

There is an O frame 16 in the Amoskeag auction right now.

[edgarspencer]

Brian, the numbers may be skewed geographically also. There may be more 1 frame 16s in the pheasant areas, like the midwest, and more 0 frame 16s in the Northeast, and other Grouse hunting areas.
I bought a nice 0 frame DH at Baltimore.

[Daniel G Rainey]

Interesting, that there could be more 0 frames in sections where more walking in needed for the birds you are hunting. A 6 pound 0 frame is much lighter load than a 7 1/2 2 frame 12 ga.