1876 Lifter opinions

[Zeb Reich]

Hi guys this is my first post, I've been trying to grab a lifter parker for hunting and ran across this one and ended up getting it cheap. I think the stock was replaced at sometime because of the rubber Buttplate and the slight gaps around the locks. It does have a 28" barrel so im not sure if that is cut or not.
I believe its a legit parker but just would like Confirmation from some people who have more knowledge than me, I look forward to the reply's and thanks for your help in advance.


Link to the pictures:https://bid.schultzauctioneers.net/l...barrel-shotgun

[Dean Hanson]

Zeb, nice price on a shooter Parker. Gun came with a straight grip stock originally and would have have had a steel butt plate, so yes replaced. The 28" barrels are original however, not very common on an early lifter. Clean it up, have the barrels checked for proper wall thickness, check for proper mechanical operation and hit the field. Good Luck!

[Bill Murphy]

Nice Grade 1 in original condition. A close look may tell you that the wood to metal fit is not as bad as you describe. Around the locks is not perfect, but other areas may be much better. If the bores are good, you have a great gun.

[Zeb Reich]

Thanks for the info Bill and Dean, I’m really hopping the barrels check out good and I can take it into the field this fall. Depending how hard it is to find an original straight stock and how good the fit is on the replacement it might be a good idea to put an original on I was thinking.
Interesting on the 28” barrels being original that is pretty neat, sounds like I lucked out!

[Bill Murphy]

The Serialization Book is not always correct on grip types. In addition, the pistol grip could have been a later factory change. Don't mess with the stock that is on the gun. Concentrate on evaluating the barrels. Get a PGCA letter on the gun. Joining PGCA will get you a letter way cheaper than as a non member.

[Mike Franzen]

That’s a nice early lifter. Stub twist bbls look great when properly refinished. You might have a hard time finding a replacement stock. Good luck with it.

[Zeb Reich]

Yeah if the stock is usable it’ll be left alone for now, once I get the gun in hand I’ll be ordering a letter for sure.
I’m a little confused on the grade though, someone mention it was a grade 1 but those didn’t start until 1882, so it was it just a “dollar” gun which equates to the newer grade 1?