Parker VH 12 Gauge – 1928, 1½ FRAME, 30” VULCAN BARRELS, VFI CERTIFIED

Parkers remain the “king of the hill” when it comes to American vintage double shotguns. Examine the fit, finish, and handling qualities of a good Parker and it is easy to understand why they have remained so desirable for well over a century. Parker made a lot of VH Grade 12 gauges, but many you encounter today have been used hard, altered over the years, or are mechanically needy guns that can quickly become expensive projects. IT IS EASY TO BUY THE WRONG PARKER. At Vintage Firearms we inspect our guns carefully, provide comprehensive specifications and photography, and our VFI Certified guns receive the attention of our gunsmithing staff so you know what you are buying.

This Parker VH Grade, sn228701 made in 1928, is exactly the kind of Parker we like as a SHOOTING GUN. Most notable is its desirable 1½ frame combined with 30” Vulcan Steel barrels. At just 7lbs. 4oz. and balanced only 1/8” ahead of the hinge pin, it has the smooth swing you expect from a long-barreled Parker without feeling cumbersome in hand. The barrels are choked Improved Modified and Full, a classic combination for pheasants, waterfowl with appropriate loads, sporting clays, and the many vintage shoots held around the country.

The factory 30” Vulcan Steel barrels retain about 95% factory blue, with excellent bores, tight ribs.  The gun is tight on hinge and on face. The chambers have been professionally cut to 2 3/4” and the forcing cones lengthened making this a much more practical Parker for today’s shooter. The top lever remains right of center and the action is tight. This is an extractor gun with crisp double triggers and a properly functioning automatic safety.

The action retains attractive factory case color in the protected areas with the balance showing the honest silver-gray patina expected on a Parker that has actually been carried and enjoyed. The screws are excellent. The factory wood retains very good original finish with normal field and handling marks, sharp checkering, and terminates in the classic Parker Dogs Head buttplate. Parker stocks are well known for developing splits behind the top tang, and this gun shows evidence of previously repaired cracks in that area. The repairs are stable and sound, although still visible.

The dimensions are also very usable, with a 14 3/8” length of pull, 1 5/8” drop at comb, 2 7/8” drop at heel, and neutral cast. This is not a Parker we are presenting as an untouched collector gun. IT IS A GOOD, HONEST, FACTORY-FINISH PARKER THAT HAS BEEN PREPARED TO SHOOT AND ENJOY. The desirable 1½ frame, 30” Vulcan barrels, excellent bores, strong barrel-wall measurements, and useful dimensions; a particularly appealing example for the sportsman who wants to own a Parker and actually use it. The gun is mechanically excellent and is a VFI CERTIFIED GUN HAVING THE ACTION AND FOREND IRON STRIPPED, ULTRASONIC CLEANED, ALL PARTS SCRUBBED CLEAN, INSPECTED FOR FUNCTION AND INTEGRITY, LUBRICATED, AND REASSEMBLED, AND CARRYING A 90-DAY MECHANICAL WARRANTY.  This is a $450 service in our shop.

This Parker needs no project work before heading to the field or range. Buy it, shoot it, care for it, and enjoy one of America’s great double guns for years to come. See the specifications and extensive photographs below. Thanks for looking!