Lifter Questions

TARNATION !!! · 07-14-2010, 07:52 PM

Hi: I'm looking at a lifter with sn given as 22xxx

It is on the net at a gun shop. the person replying does not seem to know for sure what it is and he called it "Parker Arms". The one pic looks like a grade 0 or maybe grade 1 lifter.

Did any other gun makers produce Lifters?
Is there any Meriden Conn markings on barrel ribs or anywhere else?
Is there any fool proof markings that indicate the gun will be a Parker Bros. Meriden Conn made gun??

What is a reasonable price tag if the gun is good (shooter vs collector piece)

Thanks,
Jack ("itis" is telling me I don't have a Lifter)

Bindlestiff · 07-14-2010, 08:13 PM

I think if you ask what is inscribed on the rib you will know.... it should have this and the type of barrel too.

Dean Romig · 07-14-2010, 09:27 PM

A lifter gun in that serial number range will always have PARKER BROS. engraved on the lock plates.

Parker Arms doesn't cut it.

Bill Murphy · 07-15-2010, 09:19 AM

I'm not sure that a 22,000 range Parker would have a rib like the one pictured. Shouldn't it be plain finish with no matting? I would assume, if the gun is a lifter gun, the seller is confused about the "Parker Arms" terminology. It is probably a real Parker Brothers gun.

TARNATION !!! · 07-15-2010, 09:28 AM

I think it probably is. It looks like the lifter pictures, which is why I was wondering if any other makers built lifter actions. I have had one exchange with the shop and he says he can see Parker Bros but no mention anywhere of Meriden, which has kept me wondering a bit. Much nicer to hold the gun and have a look in person.
Cheers,
Jack

TARNATION !!! · 07-18-2010, 02:51 AM

Well it is a Parker Bros and it is Meriden Conn Twist, not Damascus as was listed. Wood is said to be good, some CC left, tight, on face, bores clean and bright with some very light pitting present, 32". Overall, it is held out to be a VG gun and a safe shooter with BP. Grade 0 or maybe 1 by the look of the one picture I have seen.
I'm thinking around a 1K$ offer. For those who know these guns, is that reasonable or a bit much or a bit low??
Thanks,
Jack

Autumn Daze · 07-18-2010, 08:50 AM

Jack,Prices for good lifter guns are rising.If the gun is in the condition you describe I think you would do "OK" at a grand. Remember you are buying the barrels.....

OH Osthaus · 07-18-2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

Remember you are buying the barrels.....

good advice to remember - I have been telling myself that for a week now after walking away from a hammer gun I was sure had been honed out, but didn't know how much. Someone needs to invent a pocket sized bore/wall thickness gauge, they'd save me some sleepness nights of second guessing

Bill Murphy · 07-18-2010, 12:56 PM

A pocket size wall thickness gauge would only measure the barrel for a length as long as your pocket. The Manson wall thickness gauge, sold by Brownell's is more than a foot long, works well, and is as cheap as any gauge that does what it does. About a hundred bucks, will more than pay for itself with the first gun you measure with it. More expensive alternatives, less portable, are Tony Galazan's bench mounted gauge and Jon Hosford's set which is a bit more convenient than Tony's for use outside of the home and shop.

TARNATION !!! · 07-23-2010, 02:11 AM

Well I think I might have to bite the bullet (pellets??) on this one. BWT is .050 with bores .720 and .722. So, since I'm "buying the barrels" it seems they will do the job. Taking a few roosters with a lifter hammer gun seems like it could be an enjoyable day's work (provided the bureaucracy can make it all happen before the season ends

).
Cheers,
Jack