Parker DH - Grade 3
 

Hello. I recently acquired a Parker shotgun. The gun needs to be cleaned and oiled. I would like to do this myself... do you think this can be done by a novice? Anyone recommendations for a good cleaning kit?

What shape is your shield on the butt stock ? Looks like a different grip cap also,But I think you have the rest right.

Well Michael, We wouldn't recommend you disassemble your Parker if you haven't had prior experience with Parkers before... but... in view of the fact that the original DH stock has been replaced with a stock from a GH and even that one has issues, maybe this is a good gun to practice on.
First, before attempting to fire it you should have it thoroughly checked out by an experienced double gun smith. Barrel wall thickness is critical in these old guns because they were extensively used in the day of black powder and corrosive primers and many old doubles became deeply pitted in the bores and a good many of them have had the bores reamed even to the point of dangerously thin barrel walls. If they check out okay then I would say it is probably safe to shoot.

Value? Whatever you paid for it establishes its current value.

Thanks for the responses.

Go to the home page and in the left column you will see grades and you can view a few DH guns and lots of other beauties. The DH has a tear drop behind the side panels and a silver oval instead of the sheriffs badge. Nice gun enjoy it.

D stock

Actually, the only issues I see are the fact that the original grip cap has been replaced by ...something. And I can't make it out but there seems to be an extremely worn recoil pad on it - otherwise it looks like the stock is a pretty decent fit.

You're right, it is definitely an extractor gun rather than ejectors and it doesn't show any signs of abuse other than not having been kept oiled over the years.

A Parker gun from a great grandfather would be priceless to me. If only we all were that lucky. Even if it is a GH grade stock, it is a very nice gun and one that I would cherish for life.

Ben

Michael: Please do not attempt to disassemble your Parker beyond removing the forearm and separating the barrels from the action. Please tell us where you are located and someone here will direct you to a good double gunsmith for proper cleaning and/or restoration. He can also measure the barrel wall thickness & tell you if your gun is safe to fire with modern loads. You have a treasure there that you in turn can hand down to future generations.

Best Regards, George

Ben has it right for sure. A fourth generation family gun is a rarity in itself and to me a priceless gun that should continue to be passed along. No amount of cash is worth relinquishing such a gun Just from the pictures you have posted here and on the link given, my guess is that the action screws haven't been touched, as they appear to be in correct registration. Some close up (in focus) pictures of action sides/face, water table, barrel flats/lug, forend iron, grip cap, checkering, wood to metal fit, triggers and guard, butt plate/cover, rib engraving and bead at muzzle end are always enjoyed on the forum and certainly help in further discussions. Are the barrel bores clean/shiny or can you see fouling and pitting and bulges and dents???

I agree with George. If it is shootable or can be made so, with some maintenance servicing, she could be working for the family for a few more generations.

A fourth generation gun yields a decent probability that Great-grandpa was the original owner, which would make it a family gun right from the start. Do you know?? If that were the case, that would be great and rare indeed.

As for value - its true value is not measured in money, rather in memories.

Cheers,
Jack

Thank you for the helpful replies.

Michael,
Post the serial # and the barrel length of your gun. Also I am suprised no one has suggested that you order up a letter on your gun. You just might find out if your great grand father was the original purchaser. I have some DH grade guns similiar to yours and I shoot them lots. Good luck with your new treasure.

Pat

Patrick is right in suggesting you order a PGCA letter on the gun. Not only could it give information on the original purchaser, it could establish the lower grade stock as factory original. Many guns that were restocked by Parker Brothers were done in a lower grade to save the customer some money. Some few Parkers were even stocked in a lower grade at the time they were built.