Trojan Parker 12 gauge 3"

[EddyDehmer]

I recently saw a few posts on the PGCA on the different models of Parkers that would be a 3" 12-gauge shotgun. After reading the posts I put a bid in on an auction for a 12-gauge VH Parker that was labeled as a 3" shotgun that is rare so I made and offer and won the auction. However upon receiving the gun the Parker is a Trogan shotgun, and it has the model number for a Trojan on a #2 frame, but the there is also a marking that notes 3" next to the weight of the barrels. Has anyone ever saw this before and could have someone ordered a custom 3" in a Trojan 12-gauge shotgun. I just received the gun and I was going to have the gun looked over to see if everything is legitimate on the gun. Thoughts?

[Rick Riddell]

In all likelihood, no. Pics of the flats would help clear up any questions.

[Brian Dudley]

Who told you it was rare? The seller?

Labeled at 3”? Parker did not mark their guns with chamber length. So a gun marked as 3” is an immediate red flag that it was altered to that state.

I do not know what you paid, and I am not asking. And it really does not matter.
But if it was advertised as a V grade and you got a trojan, it was misadvertised and you didnt know better to tell the difference from the start. It may be best to take advantage of that return policy, if there was one, and get out from under it.

That being said... 2 frame barrels are usually very stout (especially on a trojan) and can take the chambers being lengthened to 3” without a problem. It is best to get the gun checked out if you do keep it, but i would not think you would have any major concerns with safety due to chamber length.

[Bill Murphy]

If the gun is a normal well used Trojan with traces of case colors, it would (or should) be priced at $500 to $750. Possibly, you should return the gun if you paid more than that. It was misrepresented. We would like to see pictures.

[todd allen]

I agree with the above. The gun was obviously mislabeled, and misrepresented.
If you otherwise like the gun, maybe the seller could adjust the price, in lieu of having the gun returned.
You need to start the dialogue ASAP.

[EddyDehmer]

So I put an offer on both a 20-gauge and a 12-gauge, both labeled as VH Parkers and they ended up being Trojan Shotguns. Normally Rock Island is very accurate on their guns so I was going to reach out to them on this. Both guns are supposed to be original and the serial numbers do match. The 20-gauge is "0" frame so I would like to keep as outside of the blueing not in perfect condition the gun is very nice and overall condition is good. I'm going to get the barrels looked at tomorrow. I primarily hunt upland and was excited to have the 12-gauge 3" so I would feel comfortable with 2 3/4" shells off RST for pheasants and grouse. I will know more after I verify if the gun can take 3" shells as that is what is listed. If it won't take them, I will send the 12-gauge back as I feel I was sold false information off the website. Regardless I will try and get money back as I would not have paid what I did if I knew they were Trojans and not VH grade. Suggestions are greatly appreciated, also if you have a recommendation on who you like for getting your Parkers serviced and refinished would be great.

[EddyDehmer]

In the auction viewing you only could see the both sides of the guns and not the top of the barrel to see the model or steel verification and I was not given the frame size neither. You could not get a close up to see the checkered pattern around the receiver to see if it was a VH or Trojan as I tried to distinguish on the bidding, so after my research from different sources and them telling me it was a VH this is why I assumed a 3" was correct. I just want to thank all of you for your help as I have learned so much about these guns as I grew up as a kid always wanting a Parker Shotgun but I never thought I would be blessed to own a couple of them. Thanks again everyone for all your help. It is so appreciated to own a piece of history and excited to pass this on to my 3 young sons in the future as they are excited to carry on the legacy of hunting and shooting a Parker as well.

[Brian Dudley]

Eddy,

For future reference, please note that the shape of a trojan frame is completely different than any other grade of Parker. Checkering pattern is also different. Basically, if you know the grade, you can tell them apart from any other grade from any angle at nearly any distance.

[Garry L Gordon]

In the auction viewing you only could see the both sides of the guns and not the top of the barrel to see the model or steel verification and I was not given the frame size neither. You could not get a close up to see the checkered pattern around the receiver to see if it was a VH or Trojan as I tried to distinguish on the bidding, so after my research from different sources and them telling me it was a VH this is why I assumed a 3" was correct. I just want to thank all of you for your help as I have learned so much about these guns as I grew up as a kid always wanting a Parker Shotgun but I never thought I would be blessed to own a couple of them. Thanks again everyone for all your help. It is so appreciated to own a piece of history and excited to pass this on to my 3 young sons in the future as they are excited to carry on the legacy of hunting and shooting a Parker as well.

Eddy, I've not been able to see enough detail of the barrel flats, but the barrels appear to say "Trojan Steel" not "Vulcan Steel" as would be the case in a Trojan Grade. I've bought from Rock Island many times over the years. IF the large bold print states that the gun(s) are VH grade and they are not, you should be able to get back your money. Rock Island does not guarantee the condition assessment, but does stand behind what shows up in bold print. Check their website and you can see their statement regarding what they do and don't guarantee. Having said this, you may have still gotten a good pair of guns at a price you can live with. I would not get caught up in the 3 inch issue unless the chambers were inappropriately lengthened making them unsafe. Rock Island won't guarantee against that. I also noticed that the barrels have the extended rib, a feature that some find more desirable (I know I do) in a Trojan.

If you are not happy with your purchase, you should rectify the matter with Rock Island, but a couple of Trojans for a good price is, well, a couple of quality made guns from one of the best gun makers in American history.

[Garry L Gordon]

Just on a whim I went back to the regional auction site and found a 12 and 20 "VH" listing which included what are clearly Trojans in the pictures. So, you should have a good case for a return. However, you did get a 20 gauge and a 12. IF they are in good shape (they appeared to be in the photos, but you can't tell about the barrels, etc. beyond the cosmetic), I'd sure consider keeping -- and using -- them. Get the guns checked out, especially the 12, if the chambers have been lengthened.

There is a timeframe for returning guns. You should check on that right away if you are thinking of returning them.

[EddyDehmer]

Thanks for all the insite and I will look and compare a Trojan with a VH so I know better next time. I will have them look at the chamber to see if they were inappropriately lengthened or not. I'm just curious on the bottom plate of the barrels where it is stamped 3" what does this mean. I understand the frame and barrel weight, but what does the 3" mean or did someone stamp and add this? Just curious as to to this. I will also look to see the difference in the extended rib of a Trojan as well. I'm trying to cramb my learning about these guns so thanks for any help you can lend, I really appreciate it!

[Harry Collins]

Trojans are a delight to shoot and are very well made. The only problem I have had with one was my fault. I let one get a little dirty inside from years of use without taking it apart and cleaning. It started doubling and my heart stopped as it was my fathers gun. I took it apart and found a glob of dirt under a sear. Once cleaned I have not had another squeak out of it. In fact I am surprised how tight the gun remains knowing the use it has endured.

[Dave Noreen]

Whoever lengthened the chambers stamped those 3" on the barrel flats. The folks at Meriden most certainly didn't.

[EddyDehmer]

Can someone direct me on what the 3" represents on the underside of the barrel breach. I know the sizing of the frame #'s and the weight of the barrels but what does the 3" represent in these photos. Thanks

[EddyDehmer]

Sorry about the double posts as I see you replied already so thanks for that. I take it you have taken your Parker apart and put it back together on your own. I will have to jump online and pull up YouTube to see how it needs to be pulled apart as I always like to really take care of any thing I own so this will be no exception. Do they ever do a get together or events for some of the more experienced owners to share what they have learned about maintaining and keys to taking great care of their Parkers?

[Dean Romig]

Eddy - you should go to our home page and srart clicking on the various links on the left side there.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Parkers, including disassembly and reassembly, can be found there. There is a world of information in those links that you should familiarize yourself with... and it all came from members here as well as from other earlier publications on Parker guns.





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[Harry Collins]

With Parkers and other fine shotguns screwdriver fit is most important. I have made my own and also have a set from Brownell's that are great.

[Garry L Gordon]

Sorry about the double posts as I see you replied already so thanks for that. I take it you have taken your Parker apart and put it back together on your own. I will have to jump online and pull up YouTube to see how it needs to be pulled apart as I always like to really take care of any thing I own so this will be no exception. Do they ever do a get together or events for some of the more experienced owners to share what they have learned about maintaining and keys to taking great care of their Parkers?

Eddy, your idea about a get-together to learn about things like you're bringing up is a good idea. I've not seen anything specifically designed this way, but if you go to the various shoots, I'm sure you can get some quality mentoring.

Let me offer a perspective...I'm sure you can get another, differing one from the guys here. Take your guns to a good smith to be checked out. If he thinks it should be cleaned, get him to do it. If not, just shoot them(!) Taking guns apart is not a frequently required part of maintenance, and you can potential do some harm taking a gun apart without knowing what you're doing. If you have snap caps, try them to see if the gun functions (although Parker said dry firing would not hurt the gun, I'd still recommend being cautious with any old gun). Make sure the safety works and the gun cocks the hammers when you open it after firing. If the barrels are safe, and they probably are, you should be good to go. I do think that the fact that the gun is stamped 3" is a good sign as whoever did it was certainly not trying to hide the fact...and likely knew what he was doing.

[EddyDehmer]

Guys I just wanted to thank you for all the help with the (2) parker's that I had looked at. it turns out that 12 gauge has had the chambers extended to hold 3", all the barrels turned out to be in great shape. So thanks for all the direction on this and I appreciate you taking the time to direct me on how to look at this.

Thanks and many blessings to you all!!

[Garry L Gordon]

Enjoy those guns!