My second Parker - G grade

[Bill Graham]

My second Parker arrived today. My first was a VH that had bores like a gravel road. This one has great bores, thankfully. From what I can tell, it’s an 1893. The safety was removed and the slot in the tang filled with brass. 28” M/F damascus that still has some decent contrast, and two ivory beads. The worst part is that the pad is gone. The base is there. Can you adhere new pad material to an existing pad?

Still have a lot to learn about Parker’s, so feel free to share any relevant insights.

[todd allen]

This gun was most likely owned by a pigeon shooter. The pad/buttplate is an easy fix. I would love to see more pictures, and measurements, if you are able. Choke, and stock measurements.
It would be great if you could track down it's previous ownership.

[Bill Graham]

I was wrong about the chokes: Improved and modified.
LOP 13 3/4” to end of wood
DAC 1 5/8”
DAH 2 3/8”
2 1/2” chambers

Understand already that the stock is not right, based on the shield, which on this gun is an oval, and Brian Dudley believes the checkering is wrong. I wouldn’t have known about the checkering, and I don’t recall getting images of that part of the stock before it shipped. Extension has been repaired, with what looks like a screw that they tried to matte like the rib. Numbers match. I like it fine all the same. It’s like me, flawed, but it’s a G that I could afford.

[Bill Graham]

A few more

[CraigThompson]

Nice , I like it . But then i seem to be drawn to GH , EH , Grade 2 guns ��

[Bill Murphy]

Can you show us a picture of the screw in the extension? You need a PGCA letter on this gun which may explain the wood, which, if anything, is better than original.

[Brian Dudley]

I based my thoughts to Bill on the stock just on the photo of the safety slot where it shows the checkering come all the way up to near touching the tang. That is no where near correct.
Seeing more photos now confirms my thoughts. The whole buttstock is not factory. It is interesting for sure from a standpoint of form. But not factory. The shape of the cheeks, comb and grip are nothing like a Parker. The grip is more of a true half grip in style.

The filling of the safety slot that way is also not indicative of factory work.
My guess is, whoever did the safety conversion also restocked the gun to something more suiting to the shooters needs for dimensions and grip feel. It was long ago by the amount of wear to the wood and recoil pad. But still long after the gun was new based on difference in wear to the checkering between the stock and forend (which is still original).

[Dean Romig]

To say nothing of the silver oval in the toe-line which would be standard for a Grade 3 and higher and of a lot of other guns such as some British guns.
The standard of course for a Grade 2 Parker would have been the shield.

The shape of the 'nose of the comb' is typical of some earlier graded Parkers which were likely the work of a particular stocker.



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[Harold Lee Pickens]

Still a handsome gun, I would get the pad fixed, and the safety, and then just shoot and enjoy it. I like the twin ivories, and the Damascus pattern is nice. I do believe it is from 1893, as I own 77540, a GH 16 O frame, and as I recall it was 1893.

[Bill Graham]

I’ve got a few days during which I can decide on keeping it. I do like it, and I am a little disappointed. A letter would be interesting, but I can’t spend the money in advance of deciding to keep, and of cource the letters arrival would fall outside of the return window. It would be nice if a person could get a quick check from the records for oddities like this.

More bothered by the extension repair than the stock. It is nice piece of wood, finished very well to my eye. There is a ledge where the extension is proud of the rib; clearly felt and seen.

[Brian Dudley]

The extension has had some work done at one time. Likely it came loose and had to be re-attached.
The screw being a bit off is something that i have seen before. Even on guns that have no evidence of work being done.
The extension was soldered and screwed on after the barrels were assembled. The screw head was dressed down flush as to eliminate the screw slot. And then everything was matted together.

I suppose that with shooting, the screw can gradually work its way loose. Fixing it would be pretty involved.

[charlie cleveland]

good looking gun...i would not let those things that are notproper and shoot enjoy the gun.....charlie

[Dean Romig]

Definitely keep it if the price is right.
You'll be kicking yourself for years if you let this one slip by.





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[Bill Graham]

The price felt right at the time of purchase. $750 + $40 shipping and insurance.

[Mark Ray]

Is it a 12 or 16? If a twelve, a nice price for a solid graded shooter, if a 16, just decide you dont like it, and lateral it over to me!!

[Bill Graham]

Is it a 12 or 16? If a twelve, a nice price for a solid graded shooter, if a 16, just decide you dont like it, and lateral it over to me!!It's a 12. Sorry.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

You wont get hurt at that price--but does depend how much the "fixes" you want will run you.

[Bill Graham]

You wont get hurt at that price--but does depend how much the "fixes" you want will run you.The only fixes I'd elect to do will be the pad, and maybe the safety. The extension seems sound, and the barrels ring all the way along their length.

The pad is something I normally do myself, but not in this case. I do not want to screw up the wood, and that peak is a challenge for me as well.

The safety is not a problem, but it is unusual to my muscle memory not to have a safety to disengage when ready to fire, and I prefer low variability (consistent operation).

[Mike Franzen]

I love the checking pattern, especially on the knob. I think you got a nice gun pretty cheap. If it were mine I would ask Brian to put a pad on it and fix the safety. You made a good buy. You’ll be very happy when that pad is on there. It will change the whole profile of the gun. If you keep it, spend the $40 to get s letter. If you decide one day to sell it, having that letter will be of help and will add value.

[Mills Morrison]

Second Mike on what he said

[Brian Dudley]

Mike, the grip is one thing, but i sure hope you feel differently about the top corners touching the metal.

[Bill Graham]

I returned it, so if anyone wants a go at it, let me know and I’ll pass on it’s location to you. Good store to buy from.

Thank you all for the interesting discussion about a gun with clearly an interesting history. For me, it wasn’t what I thought it was, and I’m not motivated to overlook that right now, even though it is a handsome gun.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Yeah, by the time you put the extra money in, you could pick up one that is "right".

[Bill Graham]

Anyone see a healthy one around anywhere for $800 or less? I'm not adverse to refinishing the barrels, as long as the bores are good.

[Mills Morrison]

Check Gunbroker and Gunsinternational. If you join PGCA, good ones pop up on our members only for sale section from time to time

[Harold Lee Pickens]

yeah, but usually not at that price.

[Bill Graham]

Check Gunbroker and Gunsinternational. If you join PGCA, good ones pop up on our members only for sale section from time to time
Was a member. Let it lapse since I didn't own a Parker.

[Mike Franzen]

You’re always welcome and encouraged to rejoin. It’s my belief that every Parker owner should be a member.

[Mike Franzen]

Mike, the grip is one thing, but i sure hope you feel differently about the top corners touching the metal.

I could live with it if it was going to be a shooter.

[Bill Graham]

You’re always welcome and encouraged to rejoin. It’s my belief that every Parker owner should be a member.
I agree. Simply managing all of the various firearm related expenses based on real need.

[Kirk Potter]

Anyone see a healthy one around anywhere for $800 or less? I'm not adverse to refinishing the barrels, as long as the bores are good.

PM sent.

[Mark Ray]

Dont automatically pass up trojans and V grades with a pinned headstock....you should be able to get a nice shooter 12 for around $800.

[Brian Dudley]

An $800 trojan better not have a pinned stock.

[Russell E. Cleary]

I bought out my two siblings’ interests in my late father’s 12-gauge Trojan, 230608, 2-frame, with 30-inch barrels, based on a professional valuation of $800 (with the evaluator selected by me!) and it had a PINNED STOCK!

This confirms what I’ve had a developing suspicion of: I ain’t much of a Yankee trader.

[Alfred Greeson]

Buying your late Father's Trojan --- priceless at any price....

[Jerry Harlow]

I bought out my two siblings’ interests in my late father’s 12-gauge Trojan, 230608, 2-frame, with 30-inch barrels, based on a professional valuation of $800 (with the evaluator selected by me!) and it had a PINNED STOCK!

This confirms what I’ve had a developing suspicion of: I ain’t much of a Yankee trader.

So you bought it for $533? For your father's gun you could have gone three times that much if the siblings did not cooperate and be glad to get it.

[Bill Graham]

Well, famine to feast.

I bought a 1900 G on a #2 frame today for $550 with apparently no issues, and a VHE on a #1 frame for $200. They even threw in a giant bolt through the cheeks in the VHE for free.

Yes, Mr. Dudley, you can rib me some more about buying beat up guns, but that VHE can't be left like it is. It's covered in rust, but the bores look good, and it's tight. Just had to do it.

[Brian Dudley]

Hey... I would have bought a $200 VHE.

[Mills Morrison]

I saw that GH but have too many other irons in the fire.

[Bill Graham]

Hey... I would have bought a $200 VHE.Glad to hear it. I think I might leave just as ugly as it is now, and shoot it at the Southern.

After that, it needs to come completely apart, which I have never done. Will need some guidance on that, and on the stove bolt issue (pictures forthcoming).

Evidently renewing ones membership to the PGCA has magical properties. New membership card arrived last week, and then this .....

[Harold Lee Pickens]

maybe you should buy a lottery ticket---nice score on both guns

[Reggie Bishop]

If I ever run across a Parker at those kind of prices I will have s cardiac event no doubt.

[keavin nelson]

well i have my first Parker that dad bought for $45,...... in 1969!

[Bill Graham]

Here’s the VHE. 1922.

[Bill Graham]

A few more

[todd allen]

A 1 frame?

[Bill Graham]

A 1 frame?
I think so, based on the stamp in the first picture. Not an expert.

[Brian Dudley]

Yes, 1 frame

[Bill Graham]

Yes, 1 frame
I know it’s the elusive 1/2 frame, but is not being a 1 a good thing?

I took a look at the forend ejector mechanism, gave it some lube. Dang, those look complicated. I have worked on Fox, Elsie, and Baker ejectors before; never Parker. I don’t think I care to disassemble them. Ultrasonic and a hot oil bath is all they may get.

Is anyone aware of a disassembly guide for the action? I have done some prior work here, but not a complete strip down.

[Dean Romig]

It is a 1-frame made about 12 years before the first so-stamped 1/2-frame.
A 1-frame 12 gauge is the lightest frame size Parker Bros. would make a 12 gauge on. Some of them are heavier than you would ecpect and the 1-frame and the 1 1/2-frame guns are generally similar in weights.





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[Alfred Greeson]

As they say, you done good and that bolt is classic, even contoured to the shape of the wood. You must be living right but don't tells any wives, we will never stop hearing, "Why did you pay so much, he got one for $200????

[Bill Graham]

Research letter ordered today for the VHE. Looking forward to what it has to say.

[Mills Morrison]

Have you received the GH yet? Can't wait to hear more about both guns

[Bill Graham]

Have you received the GH yet? Can't wait to hear more about both guns
Sent it back.

It was very loose, and I've got too much going on to deal with buying and fitting a roll joint, or tigging up the hook. It was otherwise nice. It should arrive back to the GB seller tomorrow, and I'd expect it to be put back up for someone who's interested in fixing it. If someone here is game, I can locate the GB seller ID for you to keep an eye out.

For the VHE, I'm going to repair the stock as best as I can, but also look for a #1 stock to possibly acquire. The barrels have been reblued, and they came out very nicely. The action had gone very brown and rusty, but an ultrasonic bath and Frontier Pad has cleaned it up very well. Not sure it will be ready for the Southern, but it's coming along very nicely by my humble standards.

[Mills Morrison]

Sometimes discretion is the better part of valour