View Single Post
Unread 07-04-2009, 06:49 PM   #2
Member
Pa SxS
Research Chairman
PGCA Lifetime
Member
 
Chuck Bishop's Avatar

Member Info
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,972
Thanks: 1,271
Thanked 5,289 Times in 1,500 Posts

Default

Jack, I think you need to be careful on this gun.

It was manufactured in 1892.

If the stock is just dirty and has shallow scratches and dents that's to be expected. The other thing on the stock is is it oil soaked at the head of the stock? Look closely for cracks in the stock.

For the receiver, do the barrels lock tight up on the receiver with no gap between the barrel and the standing breach? Check the safety for proper operation pulling the triggers on an empty chamber or snap caps. If all is OK, the receiver is probably ok although until live shells are used, you won't know right away.

The biggest concern is with the barrels. The claimed fluid steel barrels should not have "Twist Steel" on the rib. Either the barrels have been blued hiding the twist pattern, new fluid steel barrels have been substituted for the original barrels and the original rib relayed. Technically a PH should either have Twist barrels or Parker Special Steel barrels (I may be confused on the Parker Special Steel, could be just Parker Steel) and would be so marked on the rib. What's critical on both barrel sets is that the barrels are in good condition with no or minor pitting and that the barrel walls are sound and haven't been reamed out making the walls too thin to shoot safely. Check the end of the rib for a space between the matting and the end. It's a good indication whether the barrels have been cut.

Is this a private individual selling this or a dealer? I think his price is a little high for a fair/good gun. If you decide to go for it, get a 3 day inspection and have the gun checked out immediately.
Chuck Bishop is offline   Reply With Quote