Hi Blind Dog'
What's the lowest grade, plain twist or Stub twist? I always thought it was stub twist?

Carl, I think Stub Twist was considered a slightly higher grade of twist than Plain Twist.

My other questions are still unanswered in my mind. Refer to my previous 2 posts on this thread especially the 1874 price list. You'll see that the lowest grade (0 grade) has plain twist, no engraving or checkering. The next highest grade (1 grade?) shows the same but English Twist. Could this be Stub Twist? The next highest grade also shows English Twist. What's the difference???

It would be interesting to compare what the rib inscription actually reads for these different grade of guns. I would have to compare the selling price in the records to the rib inscription to determine the grade. Was English Twist the name Parker used for both Stub Twist and Twist?

It's confusing when looking at those real old Parkers and trying to determine grade especially without knowing the selling price in those lower grades.

Where does simple 'Twist' fall into the lineup?

That's one of the things I want to know. Is Twist the English Twist the price list mentions?

went to dinner guys, sorry. My gun was a rescue. I bought it cheap because it looked nice. Believe it or not, the gun was in great shape except someone a long time ago had restocked it with Tiger Maple. The forend was original to the gun and walnut. It plainly says "Stub Twist" on the barrels just below the Parker name. I like the pattern, it's quite bold. My understanding is that Stub Twist barrels were made using high grade iron nails along with the steel. This gun is not an under lifter, its a top lever. I want to shoot it but was just wondering if I need to be overly concerned using target loads?

I think you are right...english twist is the twist Parker used. I don't claim to know, but didn't Parker tend to use the english twist, laminated and damascus rather than the Belgium barrels...or am I wrong?

With regard to grades and steel types, #29218, shown previously, is marked "Laminated Steel" on the top rib. This is a Grade 1 hammer gun, 10 gauge.

Patrick, is the Grade letter on the water table i?

Hi, Chuck,
Yes, here is a picture. By the way, this was obviously before the clean up.

Patrick

Patrick, where your's say's laminated, mine says stub twist. It's deep in my safe but I'm going to get it out and take a picture of it. As I remember, the serial number is in the 35xxx range. I'm a bit intrigued now because I don't know of anyone that has ever said they have a parker with stub twist barrels. It can't be that rare? However, it was a field grade and I'm sure a black powder gun. Maybe very few survived?