Parker Lifter

[Stan Hoover]

Hello,
I'm currently very interested in buying a Parker 10 Gauge Hammer Underlifter, the 2 guns that I'm trying to decide between are both 30" guns.

#1 is a Grade 1 I believe Stubb Twist barrels, engraving is sharp, engraving is minimal with traces of case color. The only concern with the wood is there is some splinters of wood missing behind the hammers. 7,000 Serial # Range

#2 is a Grade 2, Damascus barrels, wood is of course better as in more figure but checkering is very worn, more engraving but somewhat darkened and with almost no case coloring. This gun has seen much more use by all appearances. 24,000 Serial # Range

I noticed the firing pins on the earlier gun are retracted by a spring where as the later gun seems to be more of floating firing pin setup, any preferences or feelings on which is better?

I'm looking at the new gun to shoot, I like the later gun because of the better wood and more engraving but it has definitely been used quite a bit more. I would also most likely have the checkering redone, hopefully I don't offend any one by mentioning redoing what I believe is an original gun.

So help sway me one way or the other. buy the earlier Grade 1 gun with more condition or buy the later gun Grade 2 with less condition and possibly do some restoration?

Thanks,
Stan