Dave,

You have a 1903 low grade Parker that is in "that's a damn shame" condition. Because it was your grandfathers Parker you could go to great expense to have it restored. I think I would give it a good wipe down with Hoppes #9 solvent and leave it in as found condition.

Kindest, Harry

from what i have read online it is possible to have the barrel "fixed" by heating and then welding the break back into place. but that barrel could never be fired again. that said, i have been thinking if it was repaired like that could a sub-caliber barreled incert be put into the barrel? say a .30-30 incert. the ones that slide into the chamber and are held in place by a threaded keeper at the muzzle. i figure the gun is in such bad shape anything that is done could do no more harm.

Dave

Dave,

Briley makes 20 gauge inserts for 10 gauge guns. I have not looked in a long time, but the cost was about $600. There are those out there that have tig welded Damascus barrels back together. Others still will monoblock your barrels with steel tubes that will let you shoot the same gauge or one gauge down. A restock may cost as much as $2000. There are more options, it just depends on how much you want to spend and who will advise you of all your options.

Harry

Restocking a gun with a hopeless stock is as much of a problem as fixing a blown tube. This gun is beyond restoration, financially. Six thousand dollars worth of work will make a non original two thousand dollar shooter with no collector value. I have done it a couple of times, but I had a bit better gun to work with. By the way, a P marked late hammer gun is an unusual Parker.

Clean her up and hang her on the wall as a memorial to your Granddad. Then go buy a serviceable Parker that you can safely enjoy shooting. You'll enjoy both guns more that way. Also, you'll own two Parkers instead of one. Finally, your fingers, eyes, and bank account will all be safer having done so.

Thank you to all of you for the info. and advise.

with the marks and codes that are on it is there any other information availible?

did i decipher the marks correctly? is it a frame #3 10 gauge?

thanks again, Dave



ps - i think i will clean it up and hang it on the wall until i win the lottery.

A PGCA letter may give you information about the original owner, but most letters concerning lower grade guns only give the name of a wholesale or retail sporting goods firm who originally ordered this gun and many like it.