20 bore lifter

[Dirk Schimmel]

I’m looking to see if my research is correct and add to it on this gun. It’s a 16 ga under lifter. It’s not in the best shape, barrels are off face and in need of sleeving. I am looking to learn more about it. I’m not very knowledgeable about Parker’s.

Here is what I have found that I believe to be correct so far. Feel free to correct and add to this.

Ser# 15601 so a mfg date of 1879
0 frame as it’s 1” between the firing pins
16 bore and 28” barrels
O grade or U? This one I’m totally not sure of.

Here are some pictures.
Thank you!

[edgarspencer]

I'm pretty sure thats a Grade 2. Why do you think the barrels need sleeving?
BTW, the book says that it's a 16ga.

[Dirk Schimmel]

Edgar,
Thank you! The book is correct. I was wrong. I did not measure the bores and went off what I was told. Never even questioned it… You would think I’d know better.

The bores look like a sewer pipe with very heavy pitting.

[Researcher]

What does the rib legend state? If it says "Damascus Steel" it that would confirm at least a Grade 2, in this case a Quality-G. The skeleton steel butt is normally seen on Grade 3 and higher.

[Dirk Schimmel]

Rib says Laminated Steel.

[Aaron Beck]

That looks like the Parker forged laminated steel

[David Noble]

That is a great gun you have there. Everything checks out to the book.
Have the barrels measured by a professional gunsmith, one who is knowledgeable in shotgun barrels. If the barrels are thick enough in the eight to ten inches ahead of the chambers it's possible that area could be honed enough to remove a great deal of the pitting and still have enough strength for shooting reduced pressure loads. I personally feel that would be of more benefit than sleeving.

[Dean Romig]

Yes, that P on the right barrel flat indicates it has Parker-made Laminated Steel barrels. Those (P) barrels made by Parker Bros. in their own factory are the ONLY known composite barrels ever made by Parker Bros. All other composite barrels Parker used were imported from England or Belgium. There were only between 250 - 350 guns of various grades ever made with these barrels.

Yes, it is a 16 gauge made on the lightened 0-frame size. I have a 16 gauge in Grade 3 18719 - also on a lightened 0-frame. I also have a 12 gauge Grade 3 Lifter on the 2-frame with the same barrels.


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[todd allen]

Dirk, your gun definitely looks like a fixer to me.
My thoughts are to do just enough to make it a shooter, and leave the rest of the gun as is.

[Stan Hoover]

Dirk,

Please let a professional take a look that is knowledgeable on Damascus/composite barrels before making a decision on doing anything.
Parker manufactured Laminate barrels are not real common and are unique, meaning desirable in my opinion.

Stan