Coach gun

[Bill Vance]

I was gifted a Parker 12 ga coach gun dated to 1901. Good condition considering its age. Very nice figured wood in the butt stock with exceptional checkering on one side with some damage on the other. Someone with little or no skill attempted to recut the damage. The action is nice and tight and locks up smoothly.

Now the really bad news. Someone in the past has neutered the firing mechanism. No firing pins for sure and I don't know what other parts are missing. My question, is it possible to find parts to restore this fine old Parker, if so who can do the work. It can always be an interesting wall hanger if nothing else but would prefer to breath new life into the old boy.

Opinions on its current condition value would also help

Thanks in advance for any and all info.

Bill

[wayne goerres]

No pic's and not enough info to evaluate or value your firearm

[Rick Losey]

by "coach gun" do you mean a hammer shotgun with cut barrels?


clear pictures - measurements and the serial number would help get you information

[Bill Vance]

Sorry not able to post photos yet.

serial # 100525
#2 frame
V grade
314 barrel weight (Large 3 and small 14)
barrel length 20.75 inches
additional stamp looks like Kj
Vulcan steel, hammerless

I can send photos by email if needed.

Thanks,

Bill

[Rick Losey]

#100525 should be wearing 28" barrels according to the serialization book

value would be limited with cut barrels and missing parts

[Brian Dudley]

Hammerless model.

Are you sure that the firing pins are broken/cut off? They are attached to the hammers. So, when the gun is cocked, you will not see them at the breech. Many people who are not familiar with the mechanics of Parkers mistake a perfectly fine cocked gun for one that has had its “firing pins removed”. They dont get removed, they would have to be cut off from the hammers. Or the hammers removed entirely.

Dry fire the gun with the barrels off and that will tell you or not.

[Bill Vance]

I guess I am not following the questions. This gun does not have external hammers and opening the action does not have cocking resistance. Safety is in the fire position and cannot be moved. Triggers have slight reward movement. Is there a way to measure the inside of the barrels at the muzzle in order to determine if the barrels have been cut?

Bill

[Brian Dudley]

The barrels have been cut. Records state 28” and they are now 20.75” as you say. Someone lopped 7.25” off of them.

[Bill Vance]

I get it, barrels have been cut.

Thanks

[Bill Murphy]

If the gun is cocked, you will not get cocking resistence when opening the gun. If the safety cannot be moved when in the "fire" position, it is rusted in place, probably nothing else wrong. You are making assumptions that are not neccesarily true. Squirt some solvent on the safety and into the trigger slots and wait. Move the offending parts with a wooden dowel after soaking for a day or two. The gun should work.

[Jay Gardner]

Another "rare" and highly valued "coach guns." LOL.

Its a Parker that someone cut the barrels down to the minimum legal length and nothing more.

[Bill Vance]

Bill Murphy, thanks for the suggestions. I will give it a try. This "rare" an "valuable" coach gun could see service as a home protection firearm.:)

Bill

[John Davis]

It's a Parker and someone gave it to you. Can't beat that.

[Dave Tercek]

Would you happen to be the Bill Vance from the OWR ?
Dave

[Bill Vance]

Dave

Not that Bill Vance. I am an Arizona native and older than dirt. Bi the way, what is OWR?


Bill

[Bill Vance]

Bill Murphy you da man! I soaked and tapped with the dowel and the gun is fully operational. I still want to remove the butt stock and clean the gunk out. I will try the search function for that operation.

Thanks again,

Bill

[Dave Tercek]

The OWR ( Old Westmorland Rifle ) association. One of there leaders is Bill Vance. They are all about old Kentucky (Pennsylvania rifles). Bill has generously given me advice the last few years. I thought maybe I could give a little back.

[Bill Murphy]

Removing the stock is a tricky operation. If the gun is operational, I would lubricate the working surfaces and quit at that point.

[Bill Vance]

Thanks Bill. I looked at the tutorial on this site and I believe you are correct. Stock removal is fraught with chances of lost parts.

Bill

[Harold Lee Pickens]

How is the rest of the gun--the stock, etc. Hey, at least it will start some conversations. The picture posting function here is pretty simple.

[Bill Vance]

Harold

I will take some photos and attempt to navigate the photo posting function. My 4 year old grandson will help me.:)

Thanks for the suggestion