Parker Brothers CHE
Parker Brothers · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1899
Also known as: Parker CHE, Parker C Grade Hammerless Ejector, Parker CHE Grade
Overview
The Parker Brothers CHE is a side-by-side, break-action double-barreled shotgun representing the C grade of Parker's hammerless boxlock line. In Parker nomenclature the 'C' denotes a mid-to-upper grade with finer wood, floral engraving and game-scene motifs, the 'H' marks the hammerless action, and the 'E' indicates automatic ejectors that throw fired shells clear of the breech. Frequently ordered in the light-handling 16 gauge, the CHE paired Parker's celebrated action with custom engraving and select walnut, making it a prized upland game gun from America's most revered double-gun maker.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Internal Hammer |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 16 Gauge · primary — also known as 16 ga, 16 bore, 16/70
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, Checkered Grip
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,673 · Production years: 1899-1942
Per the Parker Gun Collectors Association, roughly 1,673 hammerless C-grade (Grade 4) Parkers were built (the CHE being the ejector-fitted subset), versus about 201 hammer-gun C grades; the grade sold slowly as it offered only marginally more embellishment than the cheaper D grade. Later production continued under Remington ownership after the 1934 acquisition.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
Parker Brothers shotguns were graded from Trojan and VH up through GH, DH, CH, BH, AH and the A-1 Special; the 'E' suffix (as in CHE) adds automatic ejectors, which typically increased value 25-30 percent. C grade sits in the upper-middle of the range with substantial engraving. Production passed to Remington in 1934, which continued Parker guns until about 1942.
Background
Parker Brothers was so revered that the firm became known as 'Old Reliable'. A 16-gauge CHE, with its ejectors, floral engraving and pointing-dog game scenes, is exactly the kind of elegant upland double that made the Parker name synonymous with the finest of American shotguns.