parker 8 gauge
 

hi I'm new to the forum my reason for joining is that i was given a parker s/s 8g about a year ago. so far its just been sitting in the safe, until the other day i pulled it out and realized that it wasn't a 10g as i thought but it was a 8g. my curiosity got the best of me as I've never seen a 8g before. i am not much of a antique gun collector although i do hunt waterfowl. i would like to know what you guys think of the gun if it is anymore than a wall hanger. if maybe it could be restored or worth it. i have attached some pictures sorry they are not the best. any info would help thank you.

http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/ur...013/slideshow/

Looks like a 6 frame grade 0 hammer gun. The book says it should have 34'' barrels. It looks in somewhat rough shape but since it is an 8 gauge it is definitely worth restoring in my opinion. She is a beauty, especially to those of us who love the old 8 gauges. What does she weigh?

the barrel is 32'' and it weigh's 11.5 lbs. i appreciate the help thank you

Rode hard and put away wet.

It all depends on the condition of the barrels... especially the bores.

In case you were not aware - 8 gauge guns are not legal for use on waterfowl.

Great candidate for a full restoration. It is not a high grade BUT its an 8ga and 8ga guns have the smallest production numbers. I think you would get your investment returned.

Oh if we all could be given a Parker 8 ga.

i wasn't planning on using it to hunt. i live in the san francisco bay area do any of you guys know of someone around this area that i could take it to for an estimate on what it would cost. the only gun smith i new closed a few years back. thanks for the help

with an unusual gun like this one, you are much better of with someone who really knows double guns and specifically Parkers. You won't find another 8 gauge floating around for a second chance

also - what level of restoration is right for this one.

Brian knows Parkers, as does Brad Bachelder and some others, Doug Turnball for example.

talk to one or two of them before deciding where to take it.

With one minor change.

Depending on the condition of the barrels - it could be a wall-hanger or it could be an investment. Get good advice from the best in the business.

An 8 gauge Parker is a valuable gun and with a proper restoration, could be a very sound investment.

The 32" barrel length does not agree with the Parker Brothers records. To confirm that you have an original 32" gun and not a cut 34" gun, post a picture which clearly shows the top of the rib at the front sight. An original gun would have a short blank space at the end of the rib matting. In most cases, the absence of this blank space is a sign of a cut barrel. Step one in a restoration is to order a PGCA letter on your gun so you can determine whether it has an interesting ownership provenance, and also if Parker Brothers may have created the 32" barrel length.