Heavy 12 gauges

[Researcher]

Parker Bros. did all sorts of weird and wonderful stuff to meet customer's wishes. I have an 1889 vintage, 2-frame, GH-Grade, Damascus barrel 12-gauge that weighs a fraction of an ounce over nine pounds. The barrels are very straight and thick with a weight stamp of 5 8. My Grandfather's 1890-vintage, 3-frame, PH-Grade, Twist barrel, 30-inch, cylinder bore, 12-gauge, has barrels that swamp in very fast, and it only weighs 8 pounds 8 ounces?!? While my gun is rather muzzle heavy, Grandpa's is muzzle light with much of the weight between your hands. I kind of suspect the original purchaser of Grandpa's gun got it to shoot pumpkin balls.

Of course our all time favorite "heavy twelve" is the 6-frame, VH-Grade, the late Jack Puglisi had for sale some years ago --

[Austin W Hogan]

Bill; Several years ago Ron Kirby and I examined and discussed some 2 1/2 frame entries.
We concluded that the shop terminology was due to the number 3 frame being 2 1/2 inches wide, and it was probably machined in 2 1/2 jigs.
I have a 3 frame 12ga 32 inch lifter that weighs 9 1/2 pounds plus. The weight is between the hands and it is very nimble. I found it a joy to shoot at both skeet and 5 stand.

Best, Austin

[Bill Murphy]

The owner of the unique #6 frame 12 gauge that Jack Puglisi sold has not come forward on this site. We would like to hear from him. My fluid steel #6 frame ten gauge is well known by readers on this site and the Puglisi 12 gauge should be "outed" also.