Have a receiver but cannot determine gauge, beautiful though!

Raymond Sisson · 10-17-2022, 07:47 AM

I came across this on eBay and won the bid. I thought and the seller did as well that it was 12gauge but tried to swap it with mine and immediately knew it was a bit smaller. So I'm kinda at a loss because it's beautiful and case hardened, doubt factory but possibly, that I cannot really use since trying to piece one together would require the proper gauge and size knowledge but finding barrels, internals, stock, and forearm to go with it would be near impossible. If anyone is interested in it let me know and see what we can work out. Thanks for any help as well

Chris T. · 10-17-2022, 08:58 AM

Measure the distance between the firing pins center to center and across the bolsters. With that info we can tell you the frame size, it's not gauge specific.

B. Dudley · 10-17-2022, 09:13 AM

Another one that slipped through the cracks on ebay. This, being serial numbered, is considered a firearm and is not supposed to be sold on ebay. At least according to their rules. And I am sure that an FFL was not used on your end for the incoming shipment.

Anyway…. It is an early trojan frame. It is re-case colored. You can look up the serial number in the book for the gauge if it is in there. Or measure the important areas of the frame and compare to the charts that are in various published sources to determine the frame size. You only have 3 options. 0,1 and 2. And you say it isnt a 12, so that rules out 2.

And, yes. Piecing together a gun from a near stripped frame is a useless endeavor to attempt.

Bob Brown · 10-17-2022, 03:17 PM

182745 isn't in the book.

John Knobelsdorf II · 10-17-2022, 03:33 PM

Like numerous examples of the more common grades, 182745 may not be in the Price & Fjestad serialization book - there are surviving factory records for a letter.

See the Research Letters page, and find that link on the left hand side of the PGCA Home page.

Bill Murphy · 10-17-2022, 03:44 PM

The only thing you have to know about a Trojan receiver to determine its gauge is the distance between the firing pins. All other dimensions are extra. Page 527 of The Parker Story will give you the firing pin separation figures.

Raymond Sisson · 10-17-2022, 03:55 PM

Distance between pins is exactly 1in, bolster width is 2.18in, and pin to bolster is exactly 0.5in. I looked the serial up showing it was a 1919 manufacture. I figured it was a trojan model due to lack of engraving but is nice that you verified my suspicion. I'm saving the purchase of the research papers for my VH serial 122052. That was inherited and remains all original as far as I can tell thru research and knowledge my father found out when he inherited it. And as far as eBay goes all I can say is that it is what it is, worked out for me and the receiver as it got a loving home. Still is a good case coloring job I thought.

B. Dudley · 10-17-2022, 03:57 PM

1” spacing (measured on hole centers) is an 0 frame. Which for a trojan would be a 20g.

Raymond Sisson · 10-17-2022, 04:10 PM

Thank you so much, it's good to know what it is bc maybe if the parker gods look onto me I may piece together a 20 gauge. Or someone may have damaged theirs and happen to scroll on this post and I'll have their receiver that they have searched long and hard for. I was just lucky to come across it. Surely haven't seen anymore for sale lately. Thanks again for all the info.