Identifying a 1/2 Frame

[GH-16]

Originally Posted by Allan H. Swanson

I read on a set of original Parker blue print dated some where around 1920 "that all 1/2 frame guns will be on 1 frame actions ".

If I recall , I posted this sometime in the past. Question---was this factual ??? I certainly do not know.

Allan

When studying the frame size chart in the Parker Story. I believe it might confirm the 1/2 frames started as 1 frames in that they share the same firing pin center spacing of 1 1/16" It also appears this is the only measurement they share in common as far as bolters, breech & across the hinge measurements. In the notes section on the frame size chart it does point out there are some common measurements shared by all frame sizes, in particular D, G & F I'm fairly sure that if you measured enough guns you would find some variances in all of these measurements from gun to gun. After all they were hand filed & probably had some "go, no-go" tolerances the tradesmen had to follow for each frame size.

I find this to be an interesting study of Parkers. I've always been intrigued by the weight & proportional differences there can be from gun to gun on the same frame size. I still have questions about the 1/2 frames though. In my thinking, why would Parker develop their smallest 12ga frame offering & not intend it to be their most svelte proportioned gun in that gauge. I accept the fact that there are 8lb 1/2 frames & probably some sub 6 1/2lb 1/2 frames, but I still wonder why make the 1/2 frame into an 8lb gun?

The gun I measured in the pictures weighs in at 7lbs. Not bad for a 12ga with 28" tubes &.041" wall thickness. If this one had the wood proportioned to match "particularly in the wrist area" I'm fairly sure they could have shaved a few ounces off it.

[B. Dudley]

Most who own 1/2 frame guns would concur that they are not really all that lighter than most 1 frame or even 1-1/2 frame guns for that matter. One can only make a 12g gun so light. The english excluded.

Maybe Parker developed the 1/2 frame as a better suited frame for offering smaller guages on in multi barrel sets??? Ie: 12/16 sets or 12/20.

[GH-16]

Interesting thought Brian!

[Bill Murphy]

There is a Parker memo that suggests the 1/2 frame is to be used for 16 gauge as well as 12 gauge. Maybe it is the 1920 memo. The Cliff Green BHE 12-20 combo is made on a 1/2 frame. My 1/2 frame DHE is a 12-16 combo, but the barrels are not original to the gun

[terc]

Wasn,t there a discussion a few months or years ago about Remington using up existing parts ? It was suggested that #1 frames were modified to fit existing 20g forend irons.
Dave

[Jean Swanson]

WHEN I got serious into collecting ,I was buying all kinds of guns in great to excellent condition . Among these guns were English 12 bores---as I recall I purchased several guns "as in the English vernacular were 12/20's --that was a light 12 bore on a 20 bore frame . I wish I still had these guns--W.C Scott ,Purdey, Lang, and others.

Just a little side note. Bill---I will see if I can get ahold of those blue prints and make a copy of that "note" on the drawing for your records.

Allan

[B. Dudley]

The 1/2 frame was developed around 1930 in Meriden. The frames were made in Meriden, but not used until Remington took over production. And the beleif is they did it when the 1 frames ran out. Since, as to what we know, Remington never actually made any Parker frames.

[Bill Murphy]

Terc, you are right. There was a good reason for the 1/2 frame project. I am disappointed that Brian is arguing about our hard research. The 1/2 frame is a 1920 or earlier idea, not 1930, regardless of when it went to fruition. Dave, yes, the 1/2 frames helped to use up the 0 frame forends.

[B. Dudley]

I thought the engineering drawings from Meriden were dated 1930? I was not aware of a 1920 memo.

[Autumn Daze]

Bill, I have a 1/2 frame drawing here and it is dated 1930. It would be kind of hard to manufacture frames in 1920 without a drawing no?