10 Ga.
 

Hi all, I'm sure, as with many other people, I have joined this forum because I have inherited a Parker bros shotgun. I know very little about guns and have a couple of questions.

From looking over the gun and reading online I believe I have a Damascus steel 10 Ga from 1878. Frame size 3, serial number 13185.

There's a D and a U. What do these letters mean?

I can also see 5626, What does this number mean?

Under the forearm the barrel look very bright. Is it possible to clean up the rest of the gun and make it look like this? If so, is that something a complete amateur could do?

Can anybody tell me what type of wood the stock is likely to be?

I'm hoping at some point I could shoot it. I'm planning on taking it to a local gunsmith to see if they would be able to tell me if it's safe to shoot. From reading, if it is safe to shoot, I would need to use 2 1/2inch black powder cartridges.

I've attached some photo's to help.

I couldn't get all the photo's together

Tom welcome to a truly great forum.

If you go to the home page and look on the left side there are several headings under "collectors information" that will answer most of your questions including grade and year of manufacture.

What you have is a lifter model and a nice one at that.

As for the type of wood it is walnut.

While it is possible to refinish Damascus barrels it does require some knowledge and skill.

Since you didn't list where you live it is impossible for a member or associate that lives near you to give you any help.

Do have your gun checked by a gunsmith but, not all gunsmiths are well informed about Damascus shotguns and most will probably advise against shooting it regardless of it's condition.

Good luck with your quest.

If the barrels check out as 'safe to shoot with appropriate light loads' it isn't necessary to shoot black powder. A lot of us do shoot black powder but the majority shoot their own hand loads or buy low pressure loads from places like RST Classic Shotshells.

Welcome - we hope you'll stay. Become a PGCA Member and enjoy all the benefits of membership.





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I will explore the "collections information" and see what else I can find. I'm located in Sarasota, FL. If there happens to be somebody close by that knows about parkers I will gladly bring it by.

I will try and find a gunsmith that may be well informed about Damascus shotguns.

Thanks!