12 gauge Parker shotguns

[Bill Murphy]

Pat, one of my 1/2 frames is a two barrel set in 12 and 16. Thanks for mentioning the possibility.

[MrBojangles]

Originally Posted by Craig Larter

The best value in Parkers today is a 12ga DH(E).

I completely agree with this statement. I’m surprised at how LITTLE a 12 gauge DH(E) brings these days! I can’t afford NOT to have one! Which means that’s the next thing I’ll have to actively seek.

[BRDHNTR]

20s have replaced the 12. With few exceptions

[Phil Yearout]

Where I come from if you don't shoot a 12 you ain't shooting a real gun. 'Course, it has to be an auto - or a pump if you're a second-class citizen - and if that 12 will handle 3" mags, so much the better. 20's are for kids or girls, and 16's...why hell; nobody shoots them old relics any more. Can you even get shells for 'em? 12's are real popular here...so long as you can stuff 4-5 shells into 'em

[Bill Murphy]

Phil, if you're talking about Browning A-5s, I can get nine shells into mine.

[John Davis]

I will admit that I’m living in a pretty narrow lane of the shooting world. (Very narrow when you consider I’m presently at the Grand American shooting my Parker SBT and side by side.). But as a result, nearly every gun I own these days is a 12 gauge. I find I have very little use for anything else. I still keep a couple of 20’s and a 16 for the occasional quail hunt. So, it really does come down to what your interests and goals are. And in the greater shotgun shooting world 12’s are still the most popular gauge, with 20’s running a close second. Just my opinion.

[Craig Larter]

Another gauge that doesn't get much respect is the 16. Lower grade Parker 16's seem to command only a modest premium over 12's. You get very close to a 20ga without parting with as much money. Owning a 16 almost requires that you reload, but a small sacrifice IMHO.

[David]

I am curious what the 'unpopular' meaning is here. Is it to mean the prices on 12 gauges have dropped ? etc. anyone ever charted this on a known group of guns? It is actually pretty impressive that a shooter grade 100 year old gun is 1.5-3K comparing to something like a 725 Citori Field that is approx 3k and has zero hassles or worries on purchasing. I'd say the demand is still there considering the knowledge of wood, metal finish , barrels, etc required to buy and use vintage guns. So much easier to just buy the Browning and yet.. here we are.

[Dean Romig]

Allan Swanson used to study and catalog for our use all sorts of member demographics.

I sure miss Allan a lot. He was truly one in a million for as many reasons.





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[George "Scott" Davis]

I'm similar to John Davis' reply I own all 12 gauge shotguns except my two 16 gauge upland game guns.
However along the same trend as 12 gauge guns are 32 inch barrels, they've become the "Cat's Meow" and now everyone is desiring only long barrels. Every Wednesday morning we have a skeet shot at one of my local clubs and last week we had two shooters with 32 inch barrels. In fact last week we had more shooters with 30 and 32 barrels then 26 or 28. I know I'm getting older as I can remember when everyone had to have 26 inch barreled skeet guns!