#1 Frame Lifter - First Time Shooting

[Jay Oliver]

I picked up this 12 gauge lifter a few weeks ago. Nothing special, but I liked that it was a straight stock, #1 frame, and the dimensions are nice with a 2 1/2" drop and 14 1/2 LOP.

I finally had a chance to go shooting this afternoon and enjoyed every minute of it. From the research letter the gun weighed 7 lbs. 6 ounces and that is what it weighs today. For chokes, both barrels are 140 pellets at 45 yards, which seems like improved cylinder or light modified.

I shot a mix of light 3/4 oz. reloads and RSTs. I also shot a handful of brass black powder shells. I believe they were 2 1/2 drams of 3f and 7/8 oz #7 1/2. The gun shot everything well. This turned out to be a much better purchase than I thought

[Randy Roberts]

Originally Posted by Jay Oliver

This turned out to be a much better purchase than I thought

Every now and then the moon and stars do line up for us gun guys, thank goodness. Enjoy.....

[Mills]

Very nice

[Harry Collins]

As I mentioned before, Jay, I love mine as well. To get a rough idea of choke measure the muzzle with calipers. Deduct that from .751 and the results will give an idea of constriction. Let us know please. I am lucky enough to have access to a bore gauge and my chokes have .013 constriction on both .751 bores. That equates to a lite modified or tight improved cylinder depending how you look at it. Many competitive shooters back bore their guns to improve patterns and reduce recoil. In the case of our beloved Lifter Parkers we fell the benefit in reduced recoil. Good shooting and I'm delighted another has found pleasure shooting these fantastic Parkers.

Pictured is Uncle Taylor's 10 gauge lifter.

[Jay Oliver]

Harry, That's a beautiful 10 gauge Lifter!

I really need to invest in a bore gauge for both a 10 and a 12. I did use calipers at the muzzle and got approximately: .7175. It is a 12 gauge so I am not sure what number I would use to get a reference for constriction. The .751 you mentioned was for a 10 right?

I agree these are just wonderful guns and I really enjoyed shooting mine yesterday. I like see those brass shells with your lifter. I shot up the last of my black powder shells yesterday and need to make some more in both 10s and 12s.

[Woodcock survey]

Jay I know this is not as precise as some would like , but close enough for me. Using inside calipers with tape on the points measure the bore diameter past the choke (5 or 6 in.)then the diameter at the muzzle and it should give a rough idea of constriction. It is done by feel with the inside calipers as in using a feeler gauge then calipers measured with the a caliper that you use at the muzzle. I know what I mean but can't seem to explain it.

[Harry Collins]

Jay,

The bores of these old 12 gauge Parkers were about .751 or 11 gauge to accommodate the wads of 12 gauge extruded brass shells. My calculations indicate a constriction of .0335 of full choke.

Kindest,
Harry

[Jay Oliver]

Thanks Harry and Dan, I know I need to measure more than just the muzzle. I will try some of your ideas to measure 5-6" down the barrel. It seems like it is more opened choked than full when I was shooting it yesterday.

From the research letters on my Parkers I have 12 gauges patterned from 120 alt the way to 190 pellets at 45 yards. That's why I had assumed this was Improved Cylinder or Light Modified, because 140 pellets @ 45 yards was in the letter. The Lifter I have that letters at 120 pellets @ 45 yards shoots like its choked Cylinder/Cylinder. I need to take some better measurements.

[Harry Collins]

Here is a simple way to determine the choke of your Parker. Shoot a piece of cardboard at 10 yards. The diameter of the pattern will indicate what your choke is as follows: 19"-cylinder, 15"-Improved Cylinder, !2"- Modified, 9"-Full.

[charlie cleveland]

harry thanks for this info on shotgun chokes...charlie