ODD Barrel lengths

[Bill Murphy]

I thought we were discussing original fractional inch barrels. There are many odd length Parkers in non fractional lengths. I will try to find the order for the 26 1/2" gun.

[Bill Murphy]

OK, here is the order for the 26 1/2" gun. Order #66312, November 12, 1896, for DH #85,461. Mr. A.B.F. Kinsey or Kinney, Worcester, Mass. ordered a 12 gauge DH with 26 1/2" Damascus "Nice Match" barrels. The gun was ordered at 6 1/2 pounds, 3" drop, 14" length of pull. He asked for a "nice stock" with pistol grip. Do any of us own that unusual little DH? This gun is listed in the Serialization Book as a DH 26" capped pistol grip gun.

[Brush Buster]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

I thought we were discussing original fractional inch barrels. There are many odd length Parkers in non fractional lengths. I will try to find the order for the 26 1/2" gun.

Dave had mentioned the " Fred Kimble " gun at 31 or 33 , I thought I was on the same page with my post ! Sorry, Russ

[Bill Murphy]

Russ, it's interesting that Dave mentioned the Fred Kimble B Grade ten gauge, which is, in fact, a 33" gun. There is one other B Grade 33" ten gauge, also made for a Parker shooter, W.F. Wheal. The Wheal gun later got a set of 12 gauge barrels. The only other 33" ten is a C Grade made for W.S. Perry, another Parker shooter. I was lucky to have bought the 33" C and another 33" Perry gun, not a Parker, at a Pennsylvania auction a few years ago. The Wheal gun and the Perry gun are consecutive serial numbers. Apparently, Parker Brothers felt that Fred Kimble's success with the 33" barrels was reason enough to outfit two other of their favorite shooters with 33" guns. All three guns are 11 pound #4 frame pigeon guns. Oddly these shooters only shot them for Parker Brothers for two years, after which Parker made new hammerless guns for their company shooters.

[Bill Murphy]

Brian, yes, 6.5 pounds is light, but Parker built 6 pound 12 gauges also, one 6 pound VH was made with 22" Vulcan Steel barrels. Just another oddball order we found when copying the records.

[Chris T.]

I have a GH 16 ga. w/damascus barrels that letter to 26 1/2", unfortunately they're now 25" but still touch at them muzzle.