Parker Brothers DH

Parker Brothers · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1889

Also known as: Parker DH, Parker D Grade Hammerless, Parker Grade 3

Overview

The Parker Brothers DH is a side-by-side, break-action double-barreled shotgun and the Grade 3 offering in Parker's celebrated hammerless line. The 'D' grade denotes a step up in quality, wood and engraving over the plainer VH and GH grades, while the 'H' marks the hammerless boxlock action. Early DH guns wore Damascus barrels, with Titanic and later Acme fluid steel offered as options; most were 12-gauge with double triggers and a top lever. Regarded as the lowest grade to be counted among Parker's genuinely fine guns, the DH combined Circassian walnut, fine checkering and game-scene scroll engraving on Parker's renowned action.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	3175 g (112.0 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	400 m/s (1312 fps)
Effective Range	40 m (44 yd)
Barrel Rifling	None
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Damascus Steel
Stock Material	Walnut
Finish	Blued

Calibers

12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore

Features

Firing modes: Manual
Feed systems: Break Action Double Barrel
Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety
Features: Break Action, Side By Side Barrels, Boxlock, Hammerless, Double Trigger, Top Lever, Engraving

Production

Estimated total produced: 18,452 · Production years: 1889-1942

Approximately 18,452 hammerless DH guns produced; later production under Remington ownership after 1934

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1942

Notes

Parker Brothers shotguns were graded by quality (Trojan, VH, PH, GH, DH, CH, BH, AH, AAH, A-1 Special); the DH is Grade 3, above the field-grade VH and GH. Roughly 18,452 hammerless DH guns were produced. Production passed to Remington in 1934, which continued Parker guns until about 1942. Damascus-barrel examples are prized by collectors but generally command less than fluid-steel guns.

Background

Parker Brothers was so revered that the firm became known as 'Old Reliable', and the DH grade is often called the entry point into a truly fine Parker, the lowest grade still counted among the company's high-quality shotguns.