What to do...

[Jay Oliver]

Hello Everyone,

I just received my second Parker of the year. It is a 12 gauge top lever hammer gun serial #51965 I won on gun broker for $750. The gun is on a #1 frame and a 0 grade. I bought my first Parker a 1901 GH a few weeks ago that had some damage during shipping that was a bit upsetting, however the 2 minor repairs are being handled and I feel the gun was a great buy.

This 12 gauge hammer gun came with a dent in the barrel and a slightly loose action although it was described as "very tight". In one of the pictures below you can notice that there is some slight denting by the chambers. When I run my fingers over that part there is a slight lip.

One of the reason I bid on the hammer gun was I thought it would be something I could work and a fun project since my GH was as in such good original condition. An interesting thing about this was someone carved their own pattern of checking(not very well but I was okay with that) I liked the idea of someone making their gun unique. I wanted this to be a shooter and I was planning to shoot black powder shot shells in it. The barrels are 30" and appear to be uncut(the barrels touch in the middle) and are choked modified and modified, which I though was unique(it might not be though). I have attached some pictures below.

I have not contacted the seller yet as I wanted to get the opinion of some PGCA members to see what they would do. The bores are cleaner than I expected, but moderately pitted(I haven’t tried to clean them yet). Hammers match and work. There is some damage to the bottom of the butt plate and stock, but I knew that when I bid on it. Auction was listed as no returns.

I believe the gun will clean up well, my only real concern is the barrels. I would appreciate any suggestions/advice. If the new is bad that’s okay too, here are the pictures:











Thank you,

Jay

[Jay Oliver]

I forgot to mention the the gun has "Twist" barrels.

I also may have picked the wrong forum, General instead of Hammer Guns, but I thought this could apply to any sight unseen or auction type purchase.

Thanks,

Jay

[Hammer Gun]

Jay, I would be suspect when it comes to those barrels, They need to be looked at by a good smith, and of course you know the checkering has been redone very wrong, gary

[Holeshot]

No returns on gun broker means that you own it. If you wanted one to work on you have a good one. Hammer guns are fun to work on. But the barrels are going to need dent removed and inspected by someone with knowledge on twist barrels. Nice project.

[Ed Blake]

I suspect that the head of the stock may be split as indicated by the loose fit of the tang. I'm not sure what you mean by a slight lip near the chambers, but if you suspect a chamber bulge do not shoot the gun. As others have commented, take it to a qualified gunsmith and have him inspect the barrels.

[B. Dudley]

Yes, it does look like there is some cracking inside the head, which is causing the poor fit around the upper tang. This is not all that uncommon with theSe guns that have seen heavy use.
The dent in the barrel is repairable by a gunsmith who has the right tools for the job. It is a good sized one by the look of it and should not be shot before repairing.

I can I believe that checkering butchery. There is no repair to that since the carving looks very deep. Is it was just normal checkering mistakes, they can sometimes be corrected, but not that. This is another example of the many guns I see on the internet while perusing listings. I just shake my head and wonder what they were thinking.

It looks like that work may have been end a long while ago based on the dark color of it compared to the rest of the stock.

I do not want to comment too much on value of the gun vs. price paid. All I can say is that these can be found in better shape for the same money.

Positives that I see are relatively good metal condition. Does not appear to be any heavy rust or pitting.

[Jay Oliver]

Thanks for the replies, you answered my question, it seems I overpaid for this "Project". The reason I posted here before contacting the seller was to find out if I got a good deal in spite of all of the issues. I really wanted a hammer gun I could use. I am going to contact the seller and see what happens. This gun was misrepresented.

If the gun is turns out to be mine(no returns) I will contact Brian. I sent him my GH last week for a chip in the stock and possible re-cut checkering.

Thanks for the replies! Jay

[C.O.B.]

I wish you the best of luck with the seller. I seldom frequent auction sites but when I see No Returns I'm always suspect. If your gun is off face that is a repair that can cost several hundred dollars to remedy.

[B. Dudley]

By all means, if you truly feel the gun was misrepresented, then persue a return. IE: he said the gun was tight and it is not.
Sounds like you have a case there.

The only reason a seller can justify a no return policy is in the event of Parts sales where fit may not be guaranteed. Or for clearly represented Parts Guns.

[Brush Buster]

Jay ,I did not see the ad. for the gun mentioned so won't comment on it but if the seller did misrepresent the gun ,contact him first ,explain the situation where you feel you were mislead and if you get no where ,then contact the powers that be at Gun Broker and explain in very minute' detail of the misrepresentation , be very precise in your details as they will give you only one chance to explain your side of the story ! At that point ,they will contact the seller and you will be notified of the results ,this process is not fast ! I have been buying and selling on GB for a quite a while and they will intercede if they feel either party has been wronged ! Good Luck and if you do end up keeping this gun ,don't feel too bad about it ,after a visit to a good qualified Smith ,I think you will be able to make it a shooter and it is a great learning experience ,I am like Rich ,if it is advertised as NO RETURN ,I suspect something isn't right and let them keep it ! Remember ,no one who fools with old guns has not been there and done that at some point ! Best ; Russ