evaluating FIL's Parker

[Dean Romig]

Sometimes it means that there might be crud or particles in the latching mechanism or action enough to prevent it from closing completely but in a clean well cared for gun it means that it hasn't been abused and closes tightly. When the gun was new the lever was likely just a bit more to the right than it is now. In some guns that were used hard the lever may be centered or a bit to the left and still not lock up tightly. The lever operates the bolt which engages the bolt plate on the rear of the barrel lug. They are set at a slight taper under a spring load. As the gun wears through use these tapered surfaces wear against each other and as this happens the lever gradually comes closer to center and even to the left of center in extreme cases.

[Bill Murphy]

It looks like a nice gun, and I agree with Dean's appraisal, barring any problems that we haven't seen. We're not allowed to promote gun sales on here, so if your posts or the thread are deleted, just start a new thread and don't mention that the gun may be for sale. Heavy 32" barrel Parker guns are very popular right now. Let us know your area and we may be able to put you in touch with a member who can properly evaluate your gun for you.

[Gene Baker]

I'm in NW Illinois in the Dixon/Polo area.

[Harry Collins]

Gene,

Many of us here would love to have a Parker that was passed down through the family. You might consider keeping it just because it belonged to granddaddy or a great uncle. I have four Parkers from family and they are in my will to the next generation. I sure hope they keep them and pass them to their children.

Harry