The bore's aren't pitted. For the most part bright with a few dark/dirty areas. I think they will clean up. Action is tight. Did Parker stamp the grade type on these? Does anyone make shotgun shells with blackpowder for vintage guns? Obviously I don't want to shoot modern loads in a Damascus barrel.

The gun below the Parker is an LC Smith produced Baker 10 gauge. Might try to get this as well.

The barrels are look Damascus to me, so a Grade 2.

Correct, they are Damascus barrels.

You can shoot "modern" loads in Damascus barrels as long as you stay within the pressures they were originally made for... and this includes modern powders if the cartridges are below about 7,000 psi and are of the appropriate length, which is usually 2 1/2 inches. Most of us with composite barreled Parkers who shoot modern shells have checked our chamber lengths and wall thicknesses to be sure they are safe to shoot. Black powder is not a necessity in these guns as long as the shooter is conscientious about the safety of his gun.





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Early Parker Questions
 

Hello everyone, I am still considering the Parker I mentioned earlier. I am concerned though about the leather shims that were added and if I can put this shotgun back to original configuration. Does the buttplate look correct? If I remove the shims I will probably need shorter butplate screws as the shims are 3/4" thick. How difficult will it be to find original buttplate screws for this model? Finally does $400 or a little less sound ok for this shotgun the way it sits now?

I answered your questions earlier in your first post.





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I was looking for an answer on original buttplate screws. the ones on it now are probably too long once I remove the shims.

True but any replacements you find may need to be fitted.

I may have a couple…






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I kind of like that ten bore.