John,
If you could give us the full serial number we can often be able to tell you how it left the factory. The "Book" was compiled from Parker records and many of the serial numbers are listed. On another note many of us shoot our Damascus and Twist Parkers. Much research has been done along with actually blowing up a few Parkers to determine where and at what pressure these guns would fail. What was found is that Parker Damascus and Fluid Steel guns let go at the breach at the same 31,000 psi +-. That said, those of us that shoot our Damascus and Twist Parkers do so with velocities at 1200 fps or below and liter shot loads i.e.: 1oz in a 12 gauge. RST Shells makes appropriate loads for these fine old guns and pressures are well below 8,000 psi. We're within a year of one another in age and I have my fathers Parker. Other than my memories of him this little Parker is my most precious posession.
|