Parker Brothers AAH

Parker Brothers · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1895

Also known as: Parker AAH, Parker AAHE, Parker Grade 7, Parker AAH Pigeon Gun

Overview

The Parker Brothers AAH is a side-by-side, break-action double-barreled shotgun and, as Grade 7, one of the highest grades in Parker's hammerless line. Built on the same renowned boxlock action as lesser Parkers, the AAH added the finest Circassian walnut, deep chisel engraving, roughly 30-line-per-inch checkering, gold shields and grip caps, and barrels of Damascus or Whitworth fluid steel. Frequently rib-marked 'Pigeon Gun', it was the most expensive Parker on offer when introduced.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3289 g (116.0 oz)
Overall Length1143 mm (45.00")
Barrel Length711 mm (27.99")
Action TypeBreak Action
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity2 rounds
Muzzle Velocity400 m/s (1312 fps)
Effective Range40 m (44 yd)
Barrel RiflingNone
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Production

Estimated total produced: 238 · Production years: 1895-1942

Approximately 238 hammerless AAH-grade guns plus 5 top-lever hammer guns; highest-grade Parker at introduction, priced around $400

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1942

Notes

AAH designates Grade 7 in the Parker hierarchy (Trojan, VH, PH, GH, DH, CH, BH, AH, AAH, A-1 Special, Invincible); the trailing 'H' means hammerless and an added 'E' denotes automatic ejectors (AAHE). Only about 238 hammerless AAH guns were built. Chambered mainly in 12, 16, and 20 gauge. Production passed to Remington in 1934, which continued Parker guns until about 1942.

Background

Parker Brothers was so revered it became known as 'Old Reliable', and the AAH stood near the very top of its catalog, outranked only by the A-1 Special and the near-mythical Invincible. Surviving AAH doubles, especially the gold-shielded 'Pigeon Guns', are treasured centerpieces of American double-gun collections.