20 gauge D Top Action Hammer Found in Chicken Coop

[Bruce Day]

Before and after. The gun was covered in rust, had a strap welded to the upper frame tang and the skeleton butt plate was badly corroded.

Buck Hamlin metalwork and David Trevallion stock work. Some thought it was a junker and beyond repair.

[Mills Morrison]

I think I know another candidate for such a restoration. Cost is one thing. Value of bringing such a gun back to life is immeasurable

[Bill Murphy]

Good point, Mills. I am behind the dollar in many restorations and still like them.

[John Davis]

Restoration projects usually come from the heart not the head. And if you're ok with that, you will seldom be disappointed.

[charlie cleveland]

mills and john ya ll have the right idea about restoreing old guns..its not about the cost but the satisfaction of haveing saved another old double...charlie

[Bruce Day]

Bringing to the top as an example of an unrepairable old beater.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Bruce you will soon see an example of restoration that was thought to be impossible, an A grade lifter that will knock your socks off! I hope I do not get in trouble for saying this before the article in the Parker Pages, If certain folks would OK it I would show some photos but not without permission! I have been a Parker man for many years and this is without a doubt the most incredible restoration I have ever seen! And I do not mean to take anything away from the fabulous Chicken coop gun its a 20 bore! the one I am talking about is a 12 bore. I will crawl back into my hole now, Gary

[Bruce Day]

I have seen Gary's gun and it is a fine Parker and an example of what can be done to bring back a gun that some would believe is beyond repair. It is truly a great gun.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Bruce here is an example of restoration, on a High grade hammer gun that was a junker it is appropriately called the Lazarus gun, Frame broken all the way across stock a mess, restoration included a radius, reweld a very slow process so as not to fatigue the metal all new engraving and stock repair, Look for the article in the winter Parker Pages along with photos, I will only show 2 pictures so as not to take away from the article, Gary

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

I do not own the gun by myself, Jim Dispagno and I are partners on this piece, Gary

[Gary Laudermilch]

Hmmm, looks familiar!

[Dean Romig]

It will be featured in the Winter 2016 Issue of Parker Pages.

Rather than detract from the article, let's wait to see it in Parker Pages..... but it's your and Jim's choice to post more here if you want to.






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[Harold Lee Pickens]

The chicken coop gun, the Lazarus gun--what great examples of resurection and restoration. I am amazed at the talent of the gunsmiths or should I say artists.
Bruce, I hope you are out on the plains after those sharptails, huns and pheasants. I am leaving next Friday for my 2 week stint in the UP, I am really getting excited about it. Trying to arrange a second hunt to Kansas mid to late winter.

[Mills Morrison]

Gary and Jim are to be commended for rescuing such a great Parker. I can't wait to see the article

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Jim did the rescuing, I cannot take credit for that but then we talked and decided it needed to be saved and brought back, it is all in the article, Gary

[Bruce Day]

Harold I'm not in Montana now. Further east along the High Line . Ruffed grouse.