Just got my first Parker
 

I've always wanted a Parker and was fortunate to get one at an auction recently. I've never done much research on them until getting this one, and I thought this would be a great place to find out a little more about my new old shotgun. It's a 16 gauge with 28" barrels. It appears to be in pretty good condition. Everything is tight and I can't find any nicks or dents anywhere. The bore is clean as a whistle. Also, this seems to be a very light weight 16 gauge. Thanks in advance for any info.

Welcome to the forum. It's a blast getting that first Parker. I know next to nothing about the Hammer guns, but others who know more will be along shortly I am soon. It looks like a nice Grade 2 I believe.

wow

what a first Parker

graded 16 on an 0 frame with lighting cuts-


if were April 1st i would think think is a prank


great find

16g hammer guns on 0 frames (lightweight) are scarce.

Your gun is a grade 2. Also known as a G grade.

It has been completely refinished at some time (barrels, case color and wood). The wood is original to the gun, but the finish and checkering are not.

Your new Parker looks like a very, very nice one. You've already gotten some ID information. What does it weigh? You should consider getting a letter. 16 hammer guns are about as good as it gets.

I just weighed it and it is 6 pounds and 6 ounces. Does the refinishing and redone checkering devalue the shotgun significantly? And, how do I go about getting a letter?

Though a few things are left wanting on your gun, overall the restoration work is not that bad.
The general rule of thumb is that a completely restored gun (properly restored) will be valued at half what a perfect original gun would be. But the market determines that in the end.

Info on letters can be had on our homepage.

Check some of the better dealers that carry Parkers. You'll find restored Parkers and the prices they are asking. Of course, these are not the prices paid, and we likely will not know those. Don't be confused by the suggested price from someone who knows Parkers but really does not know what the restored guns are going for. This is a complex matter.

I would suggest that you not think of how much your gun is worth (unless you bought it to sell, in which case it's late for valuing it). The merit of your gun is not what someone who doesn't want it says it's worth if you like your gun and feel ok about its value to you.

Enjoy your gun! Don't worry about what someone says it's worth if you plan to keep and shoot it.

BTW, that is a nice, lightweight 16 hammer gun. Most, even "0" frame guns, weigh much more that this. It would be good to have the barrels checked. Lots of weight can be cut out in lapping the barrels.

Thanks for the info. I'm going to take it to a smith and get it checked out. I'd love to use this gun. This gun is not leaving the family. I'm an old retired guy and was just curious about the value, because I feel like I got it really cheap. 700 bucks.