Parker AAHE
Parker Brothers · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1895
Also known as: Parker AAH Grade, Parker Grade 7, Parker AA Grade
Overview
The Parker AAHE is a high-grade hammerless side-by-side double-barrel shotgun produced by Parker Brothers of Meriden, Connecticut. Designated Grade 7 in the Parker system, the AAHE stood just below the exhibition-only A-1 Special as the maker's finest catalogued grade. In the model code the 'AA' denotes the grade, 'H' the hammerless boxlock action, and 'E' the fitting of automatic ejectors. Each gun featured deep hand engraving, a Circassian walnut stock with fine checkering, gold shield and grip-cap inlays, and barrels of Damascus or Whitworth fluid steel. Built to order in gauges from 12 down to the scarce 28 gauge on the diminutive size 00 frame, it is regarded as one of the finest American shotguns ever made.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2610 g (92.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1130 mm (44.49") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 366 m/s (1201 fps) |
| Effective Range | 35 m (38 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 28 Gauge · primary — also known as 28 Bore, 28ga
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety
- Features: Break Action, Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock, Hammerless, Automatic Ejectors, Double Trigger, Top Lever, Engraved Receiver, Circassian Walnut Stock
Service history
Operators
- Sport and competitive shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 238 · Production years: 1895-1942
Approximately 238 hammerless AA-grade Parkers were made across all gauges; 28-gauge examples are exceptionally scarce. Roughly 242,000 Parker guns of all grades were produced 1867-1942.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Charles A. King
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
The 28-gauge AAHE is among the rarest and most valuable Parker configurations, as smaller-gauge Parkers were built in very limited numbers. Only about 238 hammerless AA-grade guns of all gauges were produced. In 2006 Remington, working with Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, announced a limited reissue of the AAHE in 28 gauge.
Background
Parker Brothers grew out of Charles Parker's 1832 Meriden hardware works, which began by making coffee mills and waffle irons before turning to shotguns. Its guns are prized by collectors as the finest American doubles, and the top-grade AA guns were marked 'Pigeon Gun' on the rib to appeal to live-pigeon competitors of the 1890s.