Frame Size Variants

[Dean Romig]

The Parker frame size designations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (simply as sequential numbers) actually have nothing to do with a particular measurement but rather, are frame measurement designation numbers. The frame number designation is a reference to a particular group of common dimensions that are used to attain a well-defined range of gun weight. Consequently, the number 1 1/2 came about because the 1 and 2 were already taken so they had to come up with something in between for a frame size smaller than a 2 frame designation and, in a couple of measurements, larger than the 1 frame designation.

It reminds me of the street address I grew up at.... number 130 and 131 were taken and we were back in between those so my address was 130 1/2.

Similarly, a frame size smaller than the measurements for those of a 1 frame designation was necessary back in the days of the lifters and eventually the 0 frame designation came about after uniformity of measurements was decided upon. (There are a few, a very few, 20 bore lifters with frame measurements and firing pin spacing smaller than those of T/A 20 bore guns bearing the 0 frame designation.) And then came the 00 and 000 frame designations after requirements for such small framed guns became necessary to remain competitive and keep abreast of demand for a lighter 28 bore and then for the .410.

I determined this morning after some tedious measuring and comparing of measurements that my 9+ lb., 10 bore Lifter, No. 5949, which I had believed was a No. 3 frame is actually a No. 2-frame gun.

So as far as my mind and comprehension is concerned I have finally found the 'missing link', the common denominator in my understanding of frame size numbers.


Chuck, I believe, after some measuring, that a 2 3/8 frame is for the No. 2 designation.

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