1917 Parker Single Barrel Trap
 

I have a Parker single barrel trap gun that I was looking to get some info on. The gun has a 32" barrel, the choke is a modified choke. SN# is 1774XX. Here are some pictures of the gun. Any information on this gun will be appreciated! Thanks

very nice gun...charlie

Looks in such high condition that it may be refinished. It probably is, because the wide screw slots and misaligned screws kind of give it away. It is one nice single barrel. A PGCA letter may link the gun to a known competition shooter. $40.00 is not much to get that information. There are more than a few single barrel collectors reading this forum.

what grade is that gun?
where is the grade marked?

It looks to be a higher grade. The case colors look too new for the wear on the checkering.

It's an early SC trap gun. The early SC's had floral engraving instead of the pigeon on the floor plate. Receiver has cyanide case colors.

Where is the grade marked?
I dont see a number on the watertable?

I think Parker introduced the SBT in 1917 and this is a 1917 gun. Thanks for noting the lack of grade on the water table George. I didn't see that. I can only guess that Parker hadn't established a standard marking for these early SBT's. I know (without looking) that my 1928 SC has at least a 4 on the water table. Also note from the picture the rib inscription on the vent rib. Later SBT's had the barrel steel and Parker name on the side of the barrel, not on the rib. Someone said it was because the vent rib could buckle when inscribed. Also seen on these early SBT's was a screw at the top of one side of the receiver. Evidentially Parker used a separate firing pin instead of the firing pin as part of the hammer assembly like they usually did. The screw provided access to the pin. I'm not sure when they changed to the one piece hammer/firing pin on the SBT's. Maybe others know.

I have never seen a rib inscription like that one.

Thanks for the response everyone, another thing that I have found that may be different is that this is a modified choke instead of a full choke.

Does that say MADE IN USA on the rib? The book lists it as 32'' bbl and straight stock so that hasn't been messed with.

what is the usual butt configuration on a SBT?

Recoil pad.

Question: Were there ever any SBT's made with the typical shotgun or pistol-grip stocks? I remember shooting trap with a fellow YEARS ago who shot a Parker single barrel, and I'll be darned if I can remember the stock configuration. I'm pretty sure the gentleman has passed on, and I'd like to know whatever became of that gun. He shot it well...

Yes, they were made with straight grips, pistol grips with caps, and pistol grips with round knobs instead of caps. This gun should have a "T" on the barrel flat indicating Titanic Steel for the barrel, as well as a weight stamp with a number for pounds and ounces. Nice gun.

I thought the lowest grade SBTs were made in was SC (I have one and really enjoy it) with an Acme steel barrel. I have never heard of a Titanic barrel on an SBT but I may well be wrong. If so, I'd like to see a picture.

Yes, the gun is an SC Grade. In his serial number range, it should be Titanic Steel. I'm sure he will tell us what the mark is on the barrel flat.

I thought the C grade had Acme Steel barrels, even the SC

Does the forend have the reinforcing rod or bolt (the head of which can be seen at the nose of the forend)?

We are waiting to hear from the owner to tell us what mark is on the barrel flat.

I guess Casey is not going to tell us how his barrel flat is marked. However, early SC guns were equipped with Titanic Steel barrels. My 177,741 is a Titanic gun. Early SB guns were probably Titanic steel also, but I have not seen one.

There is rarely a time when I fail to learn something from a visit to our website.

I could have made myself clearer. "I have not seen an early SB" is what I meant to say. I assume early SBs are Titanic Steel, like another poster suggested.

Bill I looked at my SBT 178956, made in 1917. There is no steel reference on the rib or in the Parker records. How do you determine the type steel?

Single Barrel Trap
 

Bill, I have a SB made in 1920. Would that be considered early?

Regards,
RD

The steel type is stamped on the barrel flat. Titanic is "T", Acme is "A". Randy, only you can tell us what the marking is on your B Grade. Does anyone have an early SA that they can check.

Mike, check the barrel flats for a symbol of steel type. Probably a T for Titanic.

Randy, Parker started SBT's in 1917 and they had floral engraving on the trigger floor plate. These are the guns I would consider "early SBT
s"

Single Barrel Trap
 

Good Morning Gentlemen, I checked my SB grade made in 1920. Marked Acme Steel on barrel and "A stamped on barrel flat. Also had three patent dates stamped on barrel flat. I guess now I need to send for a letter to learn more...

RD

I checked and there is a T and also an A. The T is larger so I assume its titanic. There is an unusual looking starburst engraved on the lug. Any idea what that could be?

Randy, when the steel type is marked on the outside of the barrel, it is no longer the "earliest" generation which had no visible steel type stamped or engraved, on the barrel or on the rib. My B is serial number 226,648. What is your number? The Bs are nice guns. I'm looking at an overpriced A, but probably won't be able to get the price where it belongs.

What is the price range for a good B and A? I do not recall every seeing one for sale anywhere. I have never seen one other than in pictures. I have only seen 2 C's, mine and another around here although I have seen several for sale. In fact I just missed one I was interested in.

Single Barrel Trap
 

Yes, the SC`s are the ones usually found for sale. You are right about not finding SB and SA guns up for sale. There were not very many produced so pricing could be anywhere from $7000 to $10000 ? for a `B grade and $10000 to $15000 for an `A grade. I guess it depends on your passion of Parker Single Barrel Trap guns.

Regards,
RD

Randy, thanks for the price estimates on higher grade Parker singles. However, most single traps are a bit grey and often don't have all their wood and are at least partially refinished. When I add an A to my collection, I hope it is in a price range a bit lower than you have mentioned.

Bill,
I have pic's of this gun, it's marks are T and 3/6

Craig

Titanic Steel. I don't know exactly when the Acme Steel started. Our Research Committee would know from entries in the 1917 and 1918 stock books. The order books will not give up that information.

1917 Parker Single Barrel Trap
 

Bill, yes I would also hope to find an A grade for less than my estimate. It is on the high side. But due to their rarity a nice one may bring that price range. Sure I would like to add one in the $9K to 10 range. Did you see the one where they were asking $16000

Best Regards,
RD

$16,000 is a bit of a stretch.

Randy, I'm not sure I am familiar with that one.

1917 Parker SBT
 

Bill, I sent you a link

Chuck/Bill et al. ,

I always thought it was the early (1917) guns that had the access screw on top of the frame? Would be interesting to pin down the ser.# range when that feature was introduced/curtailed.

Regards,

Will Letterman