1877 Lifter

[Johnny Mercer]

I recently bought this Parker off the net on a whim. When it arrived, I really liked the way it looked for its age. The wear on the grips made me think it could be original. It locks up good and tight, but the barrels have some minor pitting on the inside. The forend has some damage and there is a missing part on the left side plate. Hammers and triggers work. Haven't cleaned it yet so the pictures I took was the way it came. Appreciate anything you can tell me.
Thanks Johnny

[Brian Dudley]

That is a nice early unmolested grade 2 lifter. The gun is completely original.

In this period, the grade 2 was the first to begin sculpting the breech balls. Later on it was the grade 3 and up that had them. The grade 2 was also the first level where damascus barrels were standard. Lower grades would be twist or laminated.

[Johnny Mercer]

Wow, that makes me happy to see that its original. Thank you for the other information as well.

[Joe Dreisch]

Please don't go overboard with any cleaning other than a standard bore cleaning, exterior wipe-down and grease (RIG) on the metal, and light wipe down of the wood. That gun is in quite respectable condition and any extra effort style cleanup could detract from that wonderful condition. Nice gun!

[Johnny Mercer]

I was planning on using Ballistol on the metal parts with a nylon brush. Will have to get some Rig haven't had any of that in years. Thanks for the advice I will be taking it easy.

[Arthur Shaffer]

There are usually a few old locks available; try eBay. If you can ffind a cheap one of the same type, you can probaboy get a replacement for the missing pin.

[Mills Morrison]

What the others said. I love the straight grip too

[todd allen]

That's a nice early Lifter. You'll note that there is no radius at the juncture of where the standing breech meets the water table. Not a huge deal as long as you stick with light loads, but that is a weak spot on the really early guns.
I have one of the early guns (1874) and shoot it just fine, but I am mindful of what I run through it.
Great gun! Enjoy!

[Johnny Mercer]

There are usually a few old locks available; try eBay. If you can ffind a cheap one of the same type, you can probaboy get a replacement for the missing pin.
When you say lock are your talking about buying the whole metal side and the parts?

[Johnny Mercer]

What the others said. I love the straight grip too
Thank you. I have never had one, but this gun feels like it was made for me. When I swing to point at a top corner of a room then look down the barrel, I'm dead on.

[Johnny Mercer]

That's a nice early Lifter. You'll note that there is no radius at the juncture of where the standing breech meets the water table. Not a huge deal as long as you stick with light loads, but that is a weak spot on the really early guns.
I have one of the early guns (1874) and shoot it just fine, but I am mindful of what I run through it.
Great gun! Enjoy!
Thanks, I will use the proper light loads if that time comes. Right now, I just happy to have this remarkable gun in this condition from 1877. My plan is to keep it looking this good. I was worried more about the stock cracking.

[Mike Franzen]

My first Parker was made in 1878 and like yours, is in very good original condition. Once I got the gun in hand I wanted to learn all I could about it. Like you, I found this website and discovered a whole world I never knew existed. So I paid $40 and dove in. Turned out to be the best $40 I have ever spent. You should join us. You never know where it might take you.

[Arthur Shaffer]

When you say lock are your talking about buying the whole metal side and the parts?

They appear pretty regularly there and on Gunbroker. They are generally the entire lock, left or right. You generally won't see the tiny individual parts. Some people want a ton for the, some are more realistically. You will likely never use the lock plate but can get use able small spares.