Bore pitting
 

New to Forum - this is my 2nd post, regarding recently acquired hammer gun, S/N 11662 - I was thrilled to find this example of 1878 craftsmanship in near pristine condition that had found its' way to a small gun shop in Texas.

While the barrels are in excellent condition externally (no scuffs, scratches, dings or dents). There is some 'pitting' in the bore of both barrels, which are identified as "fine twist" on the rib. Is pitting common in this grade of steel? My instincts tell me to simply accept it, keep the bore well-oiled to prevent further deterioration, and enjoy the gun. Comments will be appreciated.

Rick Kelley
Elkhart, TX - -

What did the small gun shop say about this gun? Is it Marked Parker Bros. or Just Parker?

"Parker Bros"

Steve’s questions are good ones. It’s certainly not uncommon for a gun that old to have pitting. If it is indeed a Parker, and not one of the knockoffs, you should get a knowledgeable person with the right equipment to examine it… before you shoot it.

This was a 'consignment gun" - - shop had little info on gun

Pics for S/N 11662
 

If it is a 'knock-off', they did a darn good job - -

Can you post some good photos? That would really help.

Hmmm - - looks like my .jpg attachments didn't attach. Will try again - -

Let's try these attachments again - -

Mr. Kelley,

According to this website there are existing records for your gun. I sent you a PM with additional information from the Parker Identification and Serialization Book on your gun. There are many knowledgeable people on this site (I am not one of those). The advice you received regarding having a knowledgeable gunsmith check your gun should be heeded. In my PM to you I suggested you join the club and order a letter for your gun. Congratulations and best wishes.

Many thanks. Still having a bit of trouble with navigation (PMs vs Posts)
Please be patient - - I will figure it out - -

I think your advice is excellent. I would prefer an 'expert' knowledgeable in early Parker shotguns - - . I expect the person I am hunting for might be easier to find in New England than Texas, but if I can find the right guy in Houston or Dallas, it would be easier to give him the gun for a week or two, rather than take 100 pictures, and still overlook something - -

It seems like this is the forum to start my search for an expert. Do you have any suggestions for which 'board'/(room/heading) would be best?

Congratulations on your Parker. We certainly have members in TX. I hope one sees your post and chimes in regarding checking your lifter out.

Richard, Sorry to say that your gun has been improperly redone. If you go to the homepage, you can look at the Term Parker Grades and see pictures. Your barrels have been blued and show no twist pattern and the same with the frame which was color case hardened originally. if the barrels were hot blued hard to say by the pictures that's a bad thing may have loosened the ribs.

I totally agree with winplumber. If the dealer did not at least offer that information, they, in my opinion, misrepresented that gun. It is in 'too good to be true' condition for a gun that old, being as pristine looking as it is. Not blaming or chastising you at all, but you will get better guidance (and better deals) on your quest on this site than in some out-of-the way gunshop in this part of the country. I live on the west side of the city and occasionally get to some of the larger dealers, but there are none that have enough Parkers of decent condition to even bother to look. None of the gun shows I have attended locally have much other than AR's and handguns, either. Sorry to rain on your parade so to speak, but your education has already begun and we have all been there in some form or fashion. Join up as a full member and keep reading and studying the Grades section here to know what to look for along the way. Everyone here is willing to help a fellow Parker enthusiast along.

Many thanks.
Yes indeed. I'm pushing 80, and learn something every day - - some easy lessons, some harder than others - - none ruinous. I thought of the forces moving US Commerce in the 1879's & 80, the intensity of competitive innovation and flurry of patents generated by Parker Bros. Seth Thomas was no less inventive in his own field in my hometown of Thomaston.

The crooks come and go - - the well-earned legacy of 'Yankee ingenuity" survives - - men who appreciate quality immortalize men grounded in quality
- - . Connecticut was a good place to be raised

Hello Richard! You are 80! I am too! Congratulations upon making it along with me. I was born during the Battle for Iwo Jima. We have had an interesting life, huh. I own a few Parkers and enjoy them. I suggest that you guy one or two and enjoy them. I shoot old shotguns of several makers and Parkers are some of the best. Fun anyway. I mean how much time have we left? Let's enjoy what we have.

Pending a clean bill of health on that gun, I would shoot some doves with it this September.