Identifying the 20 gauge hammer guns

[Dean Romig]

At the time these early twenty-gauge lifters were produced, the “00-frame” had not been identified as one of the frame sizes although the firing spacing we associate with the 00-frame size was being approximated on these tiny guns.





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[Hammer Gun]

Interesting that in 2010 Austin had a little twenty gauge that I was thinking about purchasing from him and we corresponded several times on said gun #17448 I am sure it is alright to use the ser# since it was sent to me along with the Parker letter. The interesting thing was the letter he sent me describing the gun he said " The gun is one of two so far found with the little 00 exposed hammer frame, 29/32 firing pin spacing on center" and is the latest s/n so far found with the cross slide for end attachment. A lot of info's surfaced since then on twenty ga hammer guns. I miss the conversation with Mr Hogan he was a true gentleman, Gary

[Hammer Gun]

Dean you are right about the spacing, on another note I wonder if these little guns were made with women folk in mind, Parker made so few of them over a period of about 40 years approximately 15 lifters and 35 or so top lever guns. The 0 grade guns are rare in good condition shootable I mean, Gary

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Gary Carmichael Sr

Dean you are right about the spacing, on another note I wonder if these little guns were made with women folk in mind, Parker made so few of them over a period of about 40 years approximately 15 lifters and 35 or so top lever guns. The 0 grade guns are rare in good condition shootable I mean, Gary

Not sure about that Gary - maybe youngsters or even adult bunny hunters... The one Austin had he called a "rabbit gun" because of the more than four inches of drop on a straight-grip stock. I held that one and was amazed anyone would actually want to shoot it at anything.... but the game had better be on the ground!

Is it still in your collection Gary?





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[Setter Man]

This thread would be a lot cooler if there were pictures. ;-)

[Dean Romig]

I think I can add a few pictures of the rabbit gun of Austin's that I believe was featured in Parker Pages. Don't have time right now as I'm trying to finish the Spring Issue of Parker Pages.





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[Hammer Gun]

Maybe I can find some, Gary

[Hammer Gun]

couple

[Hammer Gun]

double click for enlargements

[Hammer Gun]

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