11-Gauge Parkers

[Mills]

I seem to remember a similar statement on this forum that stub twist were some of the strongest of the composite barrels.

[Carl Baird]

Hi Pa SxS,
I assume your a grampa? My grands all call me Paw Paw emphasizing the Paaaaaw.
I would love to know more about the rankings of the various twist steels. Someone told me that "Stub" was another way of describing the iron nails that were used in the processing of "Stub Twist" barrels. Regardless, they seem to be somewhat rare. Could be because they were meant to put dinner on the table and got a lot of rough use. Mine was made in 1884 and that's almost 130 years ago. That's a lot of hunting.
Took it all apart to give it a thorough cleaning and its very well made. Springs are strong and no noticeable wear. The only thing wrong with it when I bought it was the stock. The original must have been damaged at one time and was replaced with a tiger maple stock. Not a good look with the original walnut forend. All has been rectified though and looks good now. You probably know this already, but if you take the stock and forend off, soak them in acetone for a few days, most of the oil will be cleaned out. Also, the old finish will have been removed in the process or comes off very easy with bronze wool. Then let it air dry for a day, then boil both pcs which will draw out any dents, or at least minimize them. Then sand to 800 and finish with whatever finish you like. I like Linspeed.
Carl

[Mills]

Letter came back today. The letter describes the gun perfectly, except it has it as a 12 gauge and not an 11 gauge. I wonder if the chambers were just oversized or if the old brass shells took up more space than modern plastic shells? Still happy with the purchase regardless.

[Mills]

The letter confirmed that the wood was originally uncheckered, which was what I suspected.

[charlie cleveland]

any body out there got a 11 ga shell in there collection...since they made some guns in that ga they must have made the shell..i sure aint got a 11 ga in my collection but i would like to have one... charlie

[Carl Baird]

I'm repeating myself, but mine measured like is should be an 11 ga. but the letter came back describing my gun to a tee and said it was a 12 ga. It would be interesting to get hold of an 11 ga. shell and see how it fits. Don't know where to get a sample.

[Todd K.]

The last 11 gauge shell I saw was at the Louisville show and was priced at $150!!! Needless to say I didn't buy it.

[Richard B. Hoover]

Originally Posted by Gary Carmichael Sr

Richard if you are ever up my way, "30mi south of Roanoke VA." at milepost 163 Blue Ridge Parkway, You could check some of my early guns I have no gauges to check with! Some of interest. Ser # 97-12B?, Ser# 258-12ga? Ser# 1147 14ga, Ser# 1590-12ga? Ser# 2349-12ga? Ser# 3307-12ga? Ser# 3416 2brl set 12ga? Ser#3834 11ga, with letter, Ser# 4412-12ga? As stated some have letters but not many, I am giving these serial numbers from memory but believe them correct without checking. Best Gary

Gary,

I just found this in an old thread. Can you bring these guns to the Southern for me to measure them?

Thanks,

Richard

[Richard B. Hoover]

Originally Posted by Todd Kaltenbach

The last 11 gauge shell I saw was at the Louisville show and was priced at $150!!! Needless to say I didn't buy it.

Todd,

Was the shell you saw at Louisville I stamped "11" or "11B". I have a Parker 11B shell and will be bringing it to the Southern. Do you have any Parker 12A brass shells?

Richard

[Carl Baird]

Would parafin casting help? I'm thinking of casting mine at the breech. You could take it to a show and compare it to any 11 ga. shell you run across?