DH won in shooting contest?

[Ian Byrkit]

My great grandfather, Guy Byrkit, was a market hunter in Red Oak Iowa in the late 1800's and supposedly won DH serial number 115750 in a shooting contest. I still have the gun and I am wondering if anyone can provide more detail. It is a 12g with 32" Titanic Steel barrels. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Richard LaMendola]

Serialization bk lists it 12ga, 0 grade, vulcan steel barrels, 30", capped pistol grip.

Rich

[Ian Byrkit]

Let me double check the serial number. My dad read it to me and maybe there was a mix up. It may take days as he is out of town. Thanks for checking.

[Ed Blake]

Pictures of what you have would be best. Tell us more about this shooting contest, and your ancestor.

[Ian Byrkit]

Not sure on the details of the shooting contest, that is the story that was passed down from my father's cousin. I will not be able to post photos until Monday. Guy Byrkit, my great grandfather is who it belonged to originally, then he passed it to my grandfather who used it as his frequent hunting gun. It has been sitting in the safe for the last 40 years or so and only shot once in that period, although cleaned regularly.

[Ian Byrkit]

Ok, I now have photos and the correct serial number. Serial #115730, DH 12g, frame size 2, 32" Titanic Steel barrels. It is untouched outside of the fact that my great grandfather was against a safety on any gun. As I was told there is no such thing as safe, it is either loaded and ready to fire or not (see picture as he removed it himself). As stated we believe he won it in a shooting contest, but don't have any more detail on the contest. He was a market hunter in Red Oak Iowa and put himself through dental school doing so. Would love any additional details that can be provided. Thanks for the help!

[Robert Delk]

Nice gun.

[charlie cleveland]

yep very nice.... charlie

[Dean Romig]

Shep, why haven't you sent for a PGCA Research Letter on your family gun? It's only $40 for PGCA Members and I see you are a member.

I just checked and there is sufficient information on Parker No. 115730 to support a research letter.

[Ian Byrkit]

Just joined today and will send for the letter next week. Headed to Puerto Rico for a little R&R in the morning and will send for the letter when I return. Can you tell me who ordered it originally?

[Dean Romig]

You'll likely get that information in the research letter. Mark Conrad is the PGCA Researcher and has access to all the available Parker Bros records.

[Bill Murphy]

That is one nice D Grade. Look at the scraping on the barrel breeches. Wow.

[Ian Byrkit]

Got the research letter back and here it is. You will see it was ordered by a major Chicago hardware store. I know my great grandfather hunted ducks for the Chicago market, but still no one in my family has any details on the shooting contest that it was supposedly won in. If anyone can help with additional details it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Justin Julian]

The photo shows that this DH is "sans" a safety button, and the safety slot is filled in. That would seem appropriate for a target gun won in a contest as opposed to a gun purchased for market or sport hunting. I suspect that the family legend concerning its acquisition is accurate.

[Bill Murphy]

It is surely a great gun in well preserved condition.

[calvin humburg]

Is it your gun now? I agree with Bill thoes breach balls jump right out at you. Oh dandy gun!!! Does it still have the skeleton butt plate?

[Ian Byrkit]

Yes, still have it in the family and yes it has the skeleton butt plate. Thanks.

[Chris Travinski]

Ian
That's a great original gun! The safety delete is definately a do it yourself (but well done) job not a Parker Bros job, but if it were mine and it was something my grandfather did it would compound the sentimental value for me. The 32" guns are hard to find and in my opinion great to shoot. Don't change a thing, shoot it and enjoy it.
Thanks,
Chris

[ed good]

wonder gun. love those case colors.