New Member from Minnesota
 

Hi – I’m new to the forum, so please forgive any redundancy in my questions. Feel free to just refer me to any previous threads.

I came across what I think is a first year production Parker SxS 12 ga (s/n 287) that needs some love. I’ll need to heal the cracked stock, which is something I can handle. More concerning is that the left hammer holds at half cock but will not hold at full cock. I’d also like to separate the barrel from the action so it is easier to clean up.

I’m looking for a schematic that I can use for reference.

Looking forward to the interaction on this Forum. Any help would be appreciated.

I would very much like to see pictures of this gun.

Hey Bill, what part of MN are you from? There are 3 of us in the Redwood Falls area. You will learn all you need to know on this site but not from all of us. Jim

Here are some first pics as I got it. Hopefully you can see the markings. You may have to zoom in.

I'm in Andover, just NW of the cities.

Bill, unless there is something strange going on with the gun, it should be easy to remove the barrels. Push or drive the wedge out until it releases the forend from the barrels. Then while holding the barrels in one hand and pushing the lifter up towards the bottom of the action with the other, you should have the barrels tilt right out of the receiver.

Success! Thanks for the help David.

Wow Bill, Thats a dandy back action in reasonable condition. Let me know if you need parts as I have wall hanger/parts back action Parker #1060. Maybe even a donor gun for disassembly help.... its pretty easy. Good luck with your endeavor.

Be well Dean

Thanks, Dean. Now that I’m getting into it, it seems like there has been some work done before. Looks like the stock has been repaired at least once before. I’m wondering what it does to the value to just replace the stock vs repair it again. Not that I’m worried about value but I like to keep things original as much as possible. Also the two hammer screws don’t match. Good to know you may have some parts.

Bill, That is a nice back action Parker. Most of the ones I have seen are rough and with the exception of the stock, yours is in good condition for a back action. Is the barrel steel printed on the rib of the barrel? That would give as an idea of grade and initial price in 1869-1870.

That may be a replacement stock as I don't believe I have seen a back action with a pistol grip stock. That is why it would be good know the barrel steel and if there is any engraving on the receiver. If it is a higher grade gun, the pistol grip stock may be original as it was the "new" cool thing at the time.

I really like the Parker back actions. You definitely have a gun I would try to get back in the field. I have a few of these and enjoy shooting them with black powder and light nitro loads.

Here are a few threads with info and pictures of back actions:

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28813

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38165

If you have any questions or you or need some help please let me know. And perhaps more importantly, I am not that far away in Rhode Island, and we could have a great day of Parker back action shooting!

Quick Edit I zoomed in on the barrel rib and could see that the barrels are Laminated Steel, which was for a higher grade...very nice!

Jay

Hey Jay,

Thanks for the note and the links. The barrel rib is imprinted with 'Parker Bro Makers Meriden Conn Laminated Steel'. The last picture shows that but it is really hard to get a good picture of it. You'll have to blow it up.

I'm a big proponent of keeping these guns alive. I deer hunt with my 1874 Springfield Trapdoor 45-70 and I hope this one will be my turkey gun. I'm really on the fence about the repairing vs replacing the stock. Maybe just repair for now since I don't really plan on selling it. I can always replace it later if need be. But first priority is to get that left hammer fixed.

Thanks again.

Bill, getting that lock fixed would be my priority. I can send you some recommendations if you don't know a good sxs gunsmith. You can hopefully fix the current stock and as long as the barrels are sound, start enjoying it.

I like the 45-70 as well and have too much fun with black powder cartridges in both trapdoors and Shiloh sharps rifles.

Shooting black powder shells out of a shotgun is too much fun. That would be fun to get a turkey with this back action.

I am putting on a Parker shoot in Rhode Island on May 24th you should come and bring that Parker!

Bill, check out Laibs Gunsmithing , Spicer, MN. 320 796 2686 I think Pat can help you. Jim

Thanks for the tip.

For some reason I thought you were from New Hampshire not Minnesota. The MN looked like NH

It might be time to break out my glasses!

Looks like I need to find some parts...
 

Hey Dean,

Now that I got into this gun, it looks like I might need to take you up on your offer of finding parts. I have one trigger spring that is broken and the hammer screws have been replaced with non-matching, non-original screws. Pictures are attached. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Bill Corn

Bill, Check your PM's....