New guy here with questions

[Shane I Reed]

So my local shop has some old Parkers. He told me he has 3 more what he calls "parts guns" that are in shootable condition. He just got this one in but the rest are where he has a work shop for gunsmithing. I am going to try and save them all. I am starting with this 1877 12 guage? basket case. I have never worked on guns before but willing to put time and effort in to this new passion. The gun is very dirty like it's been hanging in a hunting camp for years. I believe someone painted barrels black. Mechanics actually work! I am going to be looking for a part that goes on barrel which catches to latch. Part of that broke off and so my question is, where the heck do I start on this thing? Cleaning off my former archery work bench to tackle project. Also, where can I find a guide to markings so I know exactly what I have?

[Travis Sims]

That (or those) aren’t an American made Parker Bros. shotgun. They are a Belgian made knock off labeled Parker. Just me, but I wouldn’t waste my time and effort on them.

[Shane I Reed]

More pics

[Shane I Reed]

That (or those) aren’t an American made Parker Bros. shotgun. They are a Belgian made knock off labeled Parker. Just me, but I wouldn’t waste my time and effort on them.

This is only one that was recently brought in. Not sure what others are yet. Belgian knock offs that old?

[Travis Sims]

Have no idea the age. Do you see the oval with ELG on the barrel? That is a Belgian proof mark.

[Shane I Reed]

Have no idea the age. Do you see the oval with ELG on the barrel? That is a Belgian proof mark.
Yes

[Shane I Reed]

Definitely had this newbie fooled

[Dean Romig]

Sorry Shane - it is what it is.

You can look on the Home page and do some research on the various grades and designs of early Parker Brothers shotguns to continue your Parker Bros. education. It is a very long course and you just had your first test. I failed my second test but passed my first because I studied hard for it. Good Luck!





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[Shane I Reed]

Sorry Shane - it is what it is.

You can look on the Home page and do some research on the various grades and designs of early Parker Brothers shotguns to continue your Parker Bros. education. It is a very long course and you just had your first test. I failed my second test but passed my first because I studied hard for it. Good Luck!





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I do have one real Parker Trojan at least. Shoots magnificent

[Dean Romig]

I don’t see a Trojan in those pictures. What barrel steel is stamped on the top rib?





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[Shane I Reed]

I have to save face that I am not a total cheap skate when it comes to my collection. Just wanted to save a gun or more from scrap. Bought this 20 ga beauty at Orvis recently

[Dean Romig]

We would never have made that assumption...

Please show us your Trojan.





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[ED J, MORGAN]

The lower gun in the pics. is.

[Dean Romig]

The lower gun in the pics. is.


Actually, the lower gun in the pics is not a Trojan but is a VH or higher grade.

I think I see Vulcan Steel on the rib but it is not clear enough to be certain.

The side of the frame looks like it is a VH because of its lack of engraving, other than the border 'graver walk' engraving and the name Parker Bros. so I'll call it a VH or Grade-0.





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[Mike Koneski]

Dean, I enlarged the pic too. It is hard to see but I agree, it looks like it says "Vulcan Steel".

[Richard Flanders]

Looks like a V grade to me

[Larry Stauch]

Good Morning Shane; we would sure like to see pictures of your Parker. The top of the rib with the printing, the barrel flats (which contain a lot of information), the water table of the action and the end of the barrel top. We'd also like to know what gauge it is, the barrel length and other statistics about that beautiful gun. The fact that you're a member and visiting this site makes you a Parker guy. Don't worry about any missteps that we all make, it comes with the territory. There is a tremendous amount of information to know and no one knows it all. So let's get started with some photographs.

[Mike Franzen]

Shane I love your Orvis gun. If I could make a suggestion, spen $40 and become a member of the PGCA. That will give you access to the Members Only section of the website and a subscription to our quarterly magazine the Parker Pages. Guns can be bought and sold as well as original parts and accessories. To further your education you can purchase a flash drive for $50 containing 25 years of the Parker Pages where you will find technical articles written about the repair and restoration of Parkers. If you’re serious about getting educated become a member and get involved.

[Chris Robenalt]

Don't feel bad Shane, we were all newbies at one time! I'd hang that old thing back in the "hunting camp" and just admire it for what it is. That Parker you call a Trojan looks like a P or V grade, can't tell? Welcome aboard, lots of knowledge here to be had.
Chris, AZ

[Harry Schlott]

Looks like a VH to me.