Mismatched Serial #'s ??

[Russell Parker]

I recently purchased a Parker hammer gun 10 ga. (Size 3 Frame) the serial numbers on the barrel are in the ca.1878 range and the frame is in the ca.1881 range. would Parker put together guns like this? I figured it was "put together" by the seller. twist steel barrels and 0 grade frame both size 3. After the barrels get checked this week it's going Turkey hunting!

[Harry Collins]

Russell,

The barrels on these older Parkers had an order number as well as a serial number. The serial number is on the left side of the barrel lug and the order number is on the barrel flats as I remember. Take another look. You could very well be correct, but again you could have mistaken the order number for the serial number.

Kindest, Harry

[Russell Parker]

thanks harry right you are! serial number matches appreciate the help:)

[Harry Collins]

Russell,

Is your 10 gauge Parker a "lifter" or top lever? I have an 1881 10 gauge with Twist barrels on a #2 frame that is a lifter. As I understand it, Parker introduced the toplever in 1881 as well. Do you have a regular forcing cone or is there a "step" from the chamber to the barrels? I first shot mine with black powder loads. While at the Southern in 2006, Morris Baker of RST Shells gave me a hand full of low pressure 2 7/8" nitro 10 gauge shells. Boy did they shoot great.

Harry