13 Gauge?
 

I'm trying to figure out if back action Parker 0968 has any particular value. It is not a 12 gauge (won't fit) and not a 16 (loose). I see there were four back action grade 0 Decarbonized Steel guns made in 13 gauge. The gun is in very good shape, excellent bores, 30 1/4" barrels appear uncut, all there, checkering worn, but wood is excellent for its age. In fact the only damage appears to be freshly done with a little nick on the top of the forend where someone hit it while it was off. A little loose on face, perhaps one or two thousandths. Right hammer will not stay in the half cocked position. Otherwise all there as it should be.

I don't have a clue what it is worth, but if it is truly one of the 13 gauges, help me with any educated guess you can give me. Just one picture but the rest of the gun is reflective of the photo.

Thanks.

j. a. bets shes a 14 ga...but hope its a 13 ga eiher way a good find in my book.... charlie

Here you go Gary!

Charlie,

The Parker Story on page 257 list the Grade 0 Lifter-Action Decarbonized Steel guns as being in 10, 11, 12, and 13 gauges. Only 4 13 gauges made, 3 of them were 30". No 14s. Just going by that.

I thought the 13's were in the 3000 ser # range, 2971, 2995, 3007, 3008,

Is it possible that the chamber is cut for the 12 B brass shell?

Looks like a real find and a real desirable Parker to me :bowdown:

Mark and Gary,

I am clueless about the chambering. I'm looking for help in identifying.

Thanks.

hope you find out what you got there...but the fun is in the search and when we find the anwers it like letting the air out of a bubble....i ve got a 14 ga paper shell here somewhere but i dont have a 12 b brass shell...if you dont find out what you got soon i can loan and mail it to you to see if it fits...what a find youve made... charlie

Jerry: I think that looks like a keeper for sure. Thomas

Jerry I have a 12b shell I will loan you to check it out if needed, let me know Gary

jerry have you found out anything more on your gun..just wondering.... charlie

Charlie,

Not yet, but Gary knew the numbers of the 13's so it is probably one of the not so rare 12 gauges, probably the 12b. He has offered to ship me one of the 12b shells. I don't own the gun but am trying to deal on it now, so that is why I was asking questions. I am completely in the dark when it comes to the decarbonized steel back action guns. I'm in the dark on a lot of things these days. I knew what it was, but little more. And to me the metal does not match the wear on the wood, so I'm doubly cautious.

If the gun is priced correctly then perhaps there has been no metal restoration. Over priced could tell all. David