Were there any grade 3 Parkers fitted with Vulcan steel barrels?

[David Livesay]

The gun in question is serial #97363. It's being advertised as a Vulcan gun, but the receiver is a grade 3. I feel that the gun has been put together with parts from more than one gun. Can anyone look in their serialization book and tell me how the gun left the factory?

[Reggie Bishop]

Grade 3 12 ga 30” Damascus. Capped pistol grip.

[David Livesay]

Grade 3 12 ga 30” Damascus. Capped pistol grip.

Thanks Reggie, that confirms my thoughts on it being a Frankenstein gun.

[Reggie Bishop]

Could have just been sent back to Parker Brothers for a re-barrel after Damascus fell from grace. Letter might shed some light.

[David Livesay]

Could have just been sent back to Parker Brothers for a re-barrel after Damascus fell from grace. Letter might shed some light.

It just sold on GB. Other than the receiver, nothing about it looked like a grade 3. Plain wood with no signs of checkering. Below is a link to the GB listing.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1083685512

[Reggie Bishop]

That one is a mess.

[Brian Dudley]

The gun is completely pieced together. And worth maybe half what it sold for. But, hey… it is their money.

[Dave Noreen]

According to The Parker Story there were 16 guns in the books recorded as "Vul3." They were all 12-gauge 30-inch and were serial number range from 82275 to 88725. Also two "Vul4" in that range generally before the 1897 introduction of Titanic Steel barrels for the Grade 3 & 4.

Have any of these "Vul3" or "Vul4" guns surfaced?

The seller showed good pictures of the 1910 bolt and bolt plate, but no decent picture of the barrel flats.

[Bill Murphy]

An original Vulcan 5 appeared at Albright's Gun Store in Easton, MD. I believe we discussed it here. I don't know who ended up with it. It has an XE Fox style extended forearm. Everything was factory, as I recall. It was one of the first black steel guns, in the book. 8x,xxx.

[Jim Thynne]

I have a friend with a grade 3 "DH" gun that letters with Vulcan barrels. When the Steel barrels were introduced the first few I recall 3 were given Vulcan Barrels.