New to Parker Shotguns

[DrewBackeberg]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Parker shotgun (S/N 2107xx)from an elderly family friend, however I don’t know too much about Parkers or what it’s worth. It was built in the mid-1920’s, 16ga. VH, 28” barrels, no ejectors. It’s been in the family since new, and I’m told it’s never been refinished. The butt plate was damaged at some point and replaced with a rubber butted.

As far as condition, the gun locks-up well and other than surface scratches, it’s in surprisingly good shape for its age.

I’d greatly appreciate your thoughts & advice on the following questions:

1. Are the chambers 2 3/4” or 2 1/2”?
2. What size is the frame?
3. Can it be shot with today’s shells, or does the Vulcan steel barrels require low pressure shells?
4. Is it possible to find an original buttplate or reproduction?
5. What is a reasonable private-party value for this gun?

Thanks for the help!

[Researcher]

Unless special ordered otherwise, a 16-gauge Parker Bros. of that vintage would have started life with chambers 2 7/16-inch deep intended for the 2 9/16-inch 16-gauge shells of the day.

SUPER-X 16-gauge, 2 9-16-inch, FIELD, #5 Chilled Shot 02.jpg

What the chambers are now can only be determined with proper measurement.

All the metal on the gun has been improperly refinished. When I see a frame blued like that, that should be color case hardened, I worry that someone who did that may have also hot blued the barrels, the salts of which will now be attacking the solder which holds the barrels together.

[winplumber]

The metal has been refinished

[B. Dudley]

The metal on the frame has been improperly blued. And it looks like hot blue. The barrel as well. Which hot blue on barrels is bad news. The solder joints may have been compromised from the heat and caustic salts could have gotten under the ribs and been rusting away and compromised the integrity of the barrels.

If you want to buy a Parker, it is best to buy another one. Let this one lie. If it can be had VERY cheap given the issues to be just shot, then so be it. Providing the barrels are sound and do not fail in the future.

[GH-16]

I would refer to this gun as a walk away at a gun show. You see it on a table, you take a quick look at it and walk away before the seller's problems with the gun becomes your problem.