10ga. A grade #4 Frame

[Jay Oliver]

I had mentioned this gun in another thread and wanted to post some pictures. This is a recent addition, a 10 Gauge “Premier Quality” grade A Top Action Hammer gun serial# 31841 made in 1883 on a #4 frame. It was engraved by Harry Gough. This was one of 8 consecutive numbered 4 Frame 10 Gauge Premier Quality guns in the serial number range 31839 – 31846. There is a 2009 article in Parker Pages called “Parker Locks and Hammer” that discusses these 8 guns.

The barrels have been cut from 32” to 28” and as you’ll see in the pictures someone raised the comb with some interesting stock work. The bores are as close to perfect as I have seen even though they are cut. The barrels have been refinished at some point and are more of a dull brown. Some of the engraving on the rib is worn, but you can still make everything out. The gun locks up tight…like new.

Brian Dudley is going to help me with the stock. I will also have the original barrels refinished and the engraving touched up. I would really like to find some 32” #4 frame barrels for this to put it back in it’s original configuration.
As you can see from the pictures this gun has a lot going for it. It isn’t comfortable to shoot with the way the stock is now so I am looking forward to getting that fixed.