Just got my first Parker 12 gauge.

[Dean Romig]

The book says your Parker No. 8430 is a 10 gauge PT (Plain Twist in reference to the barrel steel) Underlifter with 30 inch barrels. It is probably the lowest grade and is likely to be a Grade 0.

[Rick Parker]

Dean,
Any idea what the T stands for?

Thank you for the quick response.

Rick Parker

[Pa SxS]

The T inside crescents represents Twist steel barrels made up of a composite of steel and iron. The ding at the muzzle can be easily fixed by a gunsmith. Have the gun checked out by a competent gunsmith familiar with vintage guns before you consider shooting it. Then if shootable, use only low pressure loads.