Smith & Wesson Parker Hale

bob1956 · #1 07-13-2020, 04:55 AM

Traveling in the northern part of the state that boarders my home state. I stop in a big gun shop there couple times a year, alway’s look over the used older stuff pretty close. Saw a revolver in a holster marked Parker Hale. Asked the clerk to see it. It was a five screw and I’m assuming it’s a M&P 4th change. Barrel is cut to around 5 inches and a installed front sight with a ramp has been added. British proofs all over it and stamped Parker Hale. It had been buffed and refinished by them I’m sure. The crown was flat like an old Winchester. Goodyear’s on it so I could see the serial number but the hammer was pre war. It didn’t speak to me so I passed on it. Interesting piece thought someone here might be interested in it.

Green Frog · #2 07-13-2020, 09:31 AM

Sounds like a Victory Model that was upgraded by P-H for post-War sale on the civilian market. Caliber and caliber markings would be important in determining value as far as I’m concerned.

Froggie

Art Doc · #3 07-13-2020, 10:14 AM

PH among other Brit shops converted Victory Models to commercial revolvers. The 5" barrel is original but they are often cut. Usually reamed to use 38 Special ammo I would use only 38 S&W. I don't think they are particularly valuable.

Mk VII · #4 07-13-2020, 12:15 PM

Mk VII · #5 07-13-2020, 12:15 PM

Absalom · #6 07-13-2020, 02:38 PM

Great stuff! Thanks for posting this.

The first page of the P-H catalog with the pictures is widely known and has been posted here before, but I have never seen the second page with all the variants and specs. I had no idea that they offered all these options.

Supposedly P-H sleeved the .38 chambers rather than just boring them out. They definitely sleeved the .22 conversions, but there have not been enough of the .38 version around to confirm that.

Green Frog · #7 07-13-2020, 04:02 PM

Mk VII,

Are you authorized to take orders? I’m certain we could organize a group buy in about 15 seconds or less!

In fact, you could go ahead and put me down for one each, SW.225 and S.385!

The only thing I see missing is target versions of the centerfire revolvers. Was there an additional page for those? IIRC, there was still revolver competition at Bisley and elsewhere in those days.

Thanks for that inspiring post.

Froggie

DWalt · #8 07-13-2020, 04:31 PM

Here is an old ad for the BSR .22 conversion:

Mk VII · #9 07-13-2020, 04:45 PM

They don't seem to have bothered doing target versions of the centerfire ones - by 1962 (which this appears to date from) other centerfire target pistols and revolvers were listed, and you could buy the tgt version of the Webley Mk.IV, if you were drawing free ammo from the govt.

Walter Rego · #10 07-13-2020, 06:13 PM

I have seen the P-H converted to .22 BSR's at gunshows over the years. The conversions seem nicely done but the sellers have always been asking close to what you could buy a slightly used Model 17 for. I would buy one if it were under $300 and in excellent shape.
The .38's are ones that I would stay away from.

Dave_n · #11 07-13-2020, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

Great stuff! Thanks for posting this.

The first page of the P-H catalog with the pictures is widely known and has been posted here before, but I have never seen the second page with all the variants and specs. I had no idea that they offered all these options.

Supposedly P-H sleeved the .38 chambers rather than just boring them out. They definitely sleeved the .22 conversions, but there have not been enough of the .38 version around to confirm that.

I have one converted to a 4" 0.38 Special that has the cylinder sleeved. No question about it as you can see the ends of the sleeves when using an UV light. Dave_n

Mk VII · #12 07-13-2020, 06:27 PM

with some of the .22s the empties tend to back out freezing the cylinder. I have seen two different configurations of the chamber, some with the rims recessed which, IIRC, worked better. It was a long time ago.

iskra · #13 07-13-2020, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walter Rego

I have seen the P-H converted to .22 BSR's at gunshows over the years. The conversions seem nicely done but the sellers have always been asking close to what you could buy a slightly used Model 17 for. I would buy one if it were under $300 and in excellent shape.
The .38's are ones that I would stay away from.

Plus 1 generally to my fellow Oblast resident!

I can't really speak to Parker Hale conversions. But personal experience, fifties & sixties, very many gun conversions. Bolt rifles surviving well. Such as revolvers... Generally 'other'! Bought a Winfield Arms Victory model conversion to .38 Spl. From them in La @ $2995. Reblued & "genuine" plastic staghorn grips" Wooee! Cases regularly stuck & as extracted, slight "bottleneck", likely requiring chambers polished, never accomplished. Thepoint, a lot of firms buying in quantity,converting w/minimalist work to get them out the door. 38 S&W definitely not 'sexy' by the fifites and most of these conversion themselves not so by the sixties.
I have a Colt "Official Police", .22, c. 1948, paid about $50 in that latter era with ammo supply. Way nice quality "working type" gun! Quite decent, pix below.
The comparison.... Golden State Arms did a ton of rifles, but for most part, doing conversions right. Farming large numbers such as P17 Enfields out, not to "gunsmiths". Rather to machine & woodworking shops. Production style alterations. What they did, they did right. To my (inexpert) knowledge, not many in 'refurb' industry with such operation.
The net here, nothing against Parker Hale, just really cautions about handgun "conversions". As the comment here, not that competitive against the 'real deal' Smiths & Colts.

A long winded...
My take!
John