Need info on 16 gauge

[Aaron Davis]

Hi Guys, I am a new member who just purchased a Parker. I knew nothing about them till I got this one. The serial # is 76614, which the chart says was made in 1893. It is a 16 gauge double barrel 28" long. The serial numbers match on all three pieces. The barrel has an 0 stamped on it. The other part has a C and a 3 with a little 10 beside it and up a little bit. It is not a very ornate gun, unless the engraving has been worn off over the years. There is also a fancy T with curves over the top and bottom. On the butt end of the stock, it shows a dog with a duck in its mouth. Can anyone out there tell me anything about this gun. I would really appreciate it.

[Craig Parker]

Aaron,
Book shows: grade 0, 28" plain twist barrels, capped pistol grip 16ga
The 3-10 ic the unstuck barrel wgt, t w/ circle is plain twist mark.
Might post some pic's for more info.

Craig

[Aaron Davis]

Thanks Craig. I'll work on the pics

[Dean Romig]

t w/ circle is plain twist mark.
Craig

Nope - the T in the circle is the stamp indicating Titanic Steel barrels while the T with a crescent above and below it is the stamp of Plain Twist Steel barrels.

[Craig Parker]

Yes, thanks Dean
I trying to think what the half circles was called and left out half.

Craig

[Bill Murphy]

The 16 gauge hammer gun is a great find for a first Parker.

[Aaron Davis]

21354

21355

21356

21357

21358

Here are some pics of the 1893 16ga double barrel

[Aaron Davis]

Is Grade 0 bad or good?

[Rick Losey]

Is Grade 0 bad or good?

no Parker grade is bad :cool:

0 was the first ( lowest ) grade, a solid gun with little embellishment

[John Truitt]

Aaron,

Grade O is the lowest grade that Parker made in hammer guns. Bad no.
This is an unembelsihed work horse hammer gun. In my opinion nothing bad at all.
She has seen some use over the years.

I cant tell but in the picture of the top of the gun. Is the top strap/ top tang of the frame missing or rusted?

How are the bores?
Have you measured the barrel wall thickness?

Great project gun!!!!!

[Aaron Davis]

It doesn't seem to be missing anything, but seeing as I had never seen one before this week, my opinion doesn't mean much. I haven't actually calipered the barrel thickness, but the barrels look really good inside. I haven't cleaned it up or anything yet. I was going to find out what I should and should not do before trying. And it does look like it has seen a lot of use over the years.

It is still tight when it is closed, and the wear just looks like from use and not damage. I actually like the looks of the gun, because it stirs the imagination on just what, when, where, and how it saw its action. Granted mint condition would be nice for price, but I have no plans on selling the gun now that I know a little history and would like it to stay in the family for generations.

[Bill Murphy]

The gun does seem to have a non factory stock. Correcting this would be quite expensive. We would like some clearer pictures of the top tang area. Tell us where you are located and we may be able to hook you up with someone who can measure your barrels for you.

[edgarspencer]

The gun does seem to have a non factory stock.

That was also my impression. Here's a 0 grade 12 on a 1 frame. Notice the profile of the wood around the rear of the lock plates.

[Dean Romig]

I think the top tang looks fine to me. You can see the edge of the screw under the lever and when I magnify the picture the complete tang comes into clear view.

[edgarspencer]

Are the water tables scalloped out or are they flat?

[Aaron Davis]

What are the water tables?

[edgarspencer]

The horizontal portion of the receiver which mate to the barrels. Post a picture.

[Rick Losey]

What are the water tables?

the flat area of the action where the back underside of the barrel sit.

where the serial number, grade and pat. numbers are