Exploring new frontiers in Parker collecting.
 

I have had a couple (ok maybe more than a couple LOL) phases in my gun collecting life. Starting with my pursuit of 12ga duck guns mostly 2 frame 30" inch full choked examples, higher grades, DH,CH and BH. Then I got into 10ga three frame and larger examples with long 32" and 34" barrels. Then during Covid I focused on 8ga Parkers. Leaning to reload 8ga and shooting the cannons was my Covid therapy. This past two years I have set my focus on the smaller bores 16ga and 20ga. I have learned to reload 2 1/2" shells in both gauges which is satisfying. In the 16 and 20 I have tended toward GH and DH examples that are useful for western pheasant and sharptail/praire chicken hunting.
How about you? Have you explored any new frontiers in our hobby?

Yeah, Craig, I've been through it all and now am in my second, or is it the third time around. It's time to give it up and keep someone else happy.

Damascus 0-frame small bores for me - 16, 20 and 28 gauge mostly for grade 4 and lower.

It's Lifters for me now... I've had a few 16's and 12's but these days my focus is on those that were originally produced with Parker made Laminated Steel barrels. Those barrel patterns, and there are no two the same, just blow my mind. I have one that the barrels have been expertly restored and a couple more... maybe three that are in queue to be done.

I think I've shown this one before but IMO it can't be seen too often because I haven't seen another like it.

Still looking for more that may be unique in some way or other.

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I was on a similar path with Parker made Laminated path as Dean, but then ended up sending those guns along to other collectors for one reason or another. They are very nice though and I will have another at some point.

Then I got into 20 gauges and am still having fun in that space. A lot of my go to Parkers are 20s.

I would have to say my recent passion that I keep getting more excited about are back action lifters. There is something I just love about these early Parkers. While I don't shoot use them all the time, I do get them out for clays or hunting regularly. With both nitro and black powder loads. There is just something wonderful about loading up some brass shotshells with black powder at the kitchen table the night before a hunt and shooting a few birds with a Parker made in 1869.

Nothng new really. Been focused on 20ga guns since I started 50 some odd years ago and it started with Parkers. Then I wanted a 20 from, in my opinion, the four prominent makers. Parker, Fox, Lefever and Ithaca. Then a few 28's found their way in there and the rest is history.

Daryl I can't imagine being focused on one path for 50 years but my hat's off to you buddy. I'm always looking for the next niche to pursue. Variety is my motto.

I have never thought of my gun purchasing as collecting so to speak. I have always looked for guns that were in good to very good original condition that fit me so I could shoot them at clays and hunting. Mostly 20 and 16 gauge. 12's in the beginning but I have narrowed down my 12 gauges. I originally looked for Ithaca Guns followed by Parkers. But my most recent purchase of my A Grade 20 gauge long barreled Fox has put me down the Fox rabbit hole. They are on my radar even as we speak:)

If u own more than one shotgun your collecting LOL. Most that visit this site are what I call collector/users. There are very few that only collect and don't use their collection.
The Fox rabbit hole is VERY deep and addictive. :whistle:
I have been having fun exploring the 16ga recently in both Fox and Parker. Never to old to keep learning and experiencing new things.

Not Parkers, but I have been pulled towards English doubles at the moment. That is another rabbit hole that is addictive.

Matt weren't you hot on Parker hammer guns a year or so ago?? I had a short affair with Parker hammer guns, it went cold quickly LOL

Dean and Jay, I find it so interesting the path u guys have chosen to pursue. Thanks. I try to keep opened minded about likes in guns different than mine. Sometimes it leads you to an interest you never thought your would never investigate.

I have enough trouble getting the gun to my shoulder and getting the safety off without having to worry about pulling hammers back. I don't have anything about hammer guns they're just not my cup of tea

There is a lot more to Parker shooting than grouse hunting in heavy cover. Of course, a hammer gun may not be ideal for those conditions. I still like them. I shot Pennsylvania pheasants and quail for a season when I was a teenager with a Sauer side by side 16x9.3x72 hammer gun and had no trouble cocking and mounting and had even less trouble with the single shot situation.

I should also add to this that I am a composite barrel fanatic and love my 16s, 20s and one 28ga. in that category. That’s something that will always get me excited.

On hammer guns, I would suggest as fact not opinion, that Parker made the best American hammer guns. In addition, a lifter is just perfection within that realm. Hunting/shooting with hammer guns becomes second nature after a few outings.

A #2 frame 12 gauge lifter is a bargain in any grade in today's market. Plus, in my experience with those heavier lifters you can shoot any off the self 1oz. loads for clays and load up some hotter loads on your own for hunting if needed.

I still love the hammer guns Craig but they are not as practical for me with hunting without a dog. If I come across the right heavier 10 or 12 for water fowling could easily be lead down another rabbit hole.

Pulled a round of sporting clays yesterday for 3 friends all shooting hammer guns. Parker, Ithaca and LC Smith; all 3 works of art in elegance and style in their own way, each well over 100 yrs. old. All good shooters and a treat to watch the "grandpa guns" smash clays and leave black puffballs in the sky! Like watching and listening to vintage string instruments in play.

It was great shooting with you yesterday Kevin as it was with Rick and John. The weather was perfect, the lunch was good. And yeah, those 136 year old hammer guns in my case are just a blast to shoot. Although my left thumb is twice the size of ny right after cocking the hammers 250+ times. 1889 grade 2 with 32" beautiful damascus tubes.