Parker GHE
Parker Brothers · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1889
Also known as: Parker Brothers GHE, Parker GH Grade with Ejectors, Parker Grade 2 Ejector
Overview
The Parker GHE is a Grade 2 hammerless side-by-side double-barreled shotgun produced by Parker Brothers of Meriden, Connecticut. Built on the firm's boxlock action, the GHE features a break-open action, double triggers, figured American walnut stock, and game-scene engraving on the frame. The 'E' suffix denotes automatic ejectors, an upgrade over the extractor-equipped GH model. Offered in gauges from 10 to 28 and .410 bore, the GHE was a mid-grade sporting gun prized by upland and waterfowl hunters and remains highly collectible today.
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 | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1734 J (1279 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 20 Gauge · primary — also known as 20GA, 20 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Open Double Barrel
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Automatic Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Hammerless Boxlock, Automatic Ejectors, Double Triggers, Engraved Frame, Checkered Walnut Stock
Service history
Operators
- American sporting and upland hunters
Production
Production years: 1889-1942
Parker Brothers produced approximately 242,000 shotguns of all grades between 1866 and 1942; roughly 31,778 hammerless GH-grade guns were made across configurations.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
Grade designation GH is grade 2 in Parker's tiered lettering system; the E suffix indicates automatic ejectors, which added roughly $25 to the base price. Early guns were fitted with Damascus barrels; later production offered Parker Special Steel fluid-steel barrels. Barrels were commonly 26 to 30 inches with various choke borings.
Background
Parker Brothers began as a maker of coffee mills and other hardware before Charles Parker turned the Meriden, Connecticut works to gunmaking after the Civil War. The company's shotguns became a benchmark of American craftsmanship, and mid-grade guns like the GHE gave sportsmen access to Parker quality, engraving, and ejectors at a price below the presentation grades.