I use Polywad Vintagers in my 2 Damascus LeFevers. I will use them in my 'new' Parker barrels, too! It is nice to have these special cartridges available for non-reloaders like me! I plan on loading my own 10 gauge shells, though. RMC has lathe-turned 2-5/8" cases and a simple loading tool.

Hello Mark: I have lifter No. 0229. Did you ever get to shoot those 16 inchers on the Big Mo? I would have loved to see that.

Best Regards, George Lander RD2 1959-1963
USS Voglegesang DD862
USS Manley DD940

I was a Plankowner on Missouri. I was there for everything (including Cher's video all over a fresh coat of paint) but the last trip to Pearl. I arrived in December of 1985 and left in September of 1991. I spent the entire time in Turret One. First, as Damage Control Petty Officer, and the last 3 years as Turret Captain. If it had been possible, I would have done my whole 20 on her. We expended lotsa powder! A standard service charge was 660 pounds of propellant with a 1900 or 2700 pound projectile. It was a rush when a gun recoiled 4 feet, right at you! We shot pert near 300 rounds during Desert Storm, just from Turret One. The RD rate went away long before my time. They combined with others to become OS, Operations Specialist. My hat is off to the 'Tin Can' man. I don't think my stomach would have done so well on one! Cheers!

Hey Mark, that's right. If we were in port more than a few days and if it was a little rough when we went out you would see a lot of us at the rail "laughing at the fish". We were in a typhoon in December of1960 off the west coast of South Africa and when it was over we had to go aloft & pull seaweed our of the radar antennas. That one wasn't a whole lot of fun.

Best Regards.......George

Mark, I bought 50 of those RMC 2 5/8 10 ga shells and their loading kit. I recomend them. The only thing I need is a brush that will clean the inside bottom to remove burnt black powder. David

Cool! Thanks, David. My biggest concern was the validity of their loading tools. Otherwise, the only other choice would have been 4D dies at about $178.00. If need be, I was ready to go that route, but as long as the RMC tools work, I can save a ton of money.

I started cleaning the 'old girl' up. Here are some photos of the receiver. The colors have disappeared, but it is in great condition! The barrels are next! Does anyone know what the 'U' is for?

On page 590 of TPS the "U" is found in the table of "Marks Found On Parker Brothers Guns Which Are Not Fully Understood" however I have heard it said that it is a reference to "Underlifter".... but, who really knows?

Hey Mark: Wasn't the USS Boxer an LPH after it ceased to be an aircraft carrier, CV Essex Class, or am I mistaken? I believe that we operated with her out of GITMO when Fidel got friskey and started playing with Nikita's nukes.

Best Regards, George

George, I Pre-Com'd the 6th Boxer, a "Multi-Purpose Amphibious Assault Ship", in 1994. The Boxer you remember was the fifth. We carried 2,000 Marines, 2 LCACs, a handful of APCs, AV-8s (Harriers), UH-46s, 53s, 'Hueys', and Cobras. LHD 4 is, indeed, a small 'flat-top'.