practicing with my 1896 G Grade
 

I was eager to shoot my 1896 G Grade 12 gauge with full and full 30" Damascus barrels, and when the low pressure ammo from RST arrived I could not wait any longer. After enduring some chiding and warnings from a number of friends about the dangers of Damascus barrels, I started with a 7/8 ounce load of 7 1/2s. I just wanted to get the feel of the gun and start becoming accustomed to a double trigger, which was completely new to me.

The only game birds that are open now are the Eurasian doves. However, I thought I might just walk out through the southern Idaho sage and scare up some jacks, starlings, and Townsend ground squirrels, and become more familiar with my Parker in the process.

It was a good start, and I was quite pleasantly surprised. I jumped some jacks, and they typically put the pedal to the metal, and quickly get out of sight. The Parker made two confirmed kills at around 50 or 55 yards, and I thought that was rather impressive!

In addition, about half a dozen Townsend ground squirrels fell to the old Parker. It has been reported that the local population of ground squirrels may have Bubonic plague, so thinning the herd of them is not a bad idea.

In addition, a handful of starlings fell to the old girl.

And, the ammo from RST was flawless. I was concerned about chamber length, and so forth. But, the 2 3/4" shells functioned perfectly.

I must wonder if Charles Parker ever considered that "Old Reliable" would be a jackrabbit instrument!

Next up, barn pigeons.

Parker Damascus G 12s are great guns, capable and attractive. Try to find that workmanship in a gun made today !

Enjoy and remember that the gun was designed to use 1 1/8oz 3 dram loads as standard. Take it to the trap range and shoot better than your buddies. Tell them to back away first because it might blow.

Here is what I use in mine when I need it. You have many options.

Bruce, thank you, that's good to know.

It would seem, at first blush, that all of the negative bluster about Damascus is misplaced.

That "Negative bluster about Damascus" is pure 'sheep dip'!






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Don't tell everyone Dean there are still a few Damascus barrel guns floating around out there that I would like a shot at.