Parker 13 gauge?

[Jack Hamner]

I was just wondering if anyone knows if all the 13 gauge Parker uplifter action shotguns have been accounted for. I don't have a bore gauge, nor can I locate one, but according to my most precise measurements, the bore on my gun appears to be just a shade over 18 mm. This is measured at the end of the barrel--should it be further up into the barrel? The gun has 30 1/4" barrels and the serial number is N 0968. It was patented in Nov. of 1866. Any possibility this could be a 13? Thanks!

[Jack Hamner]

I guess I must have asked a really dumb question based on the number (or lack of) replies. Please bear with me--I have been an avid sportsman all my life, but this is the first Parker of any kind I have ever run across. I'm just trying to gather as much information as possible. If I ask dumb or rhetorical questions, please let me know! I don't mind being set straight. Thanks! Jack.

[charlie cleveland]

jack i can t answer your question but there are some who can they will pitch in shortly.by the way congratulations on that parker what ever gauge it is...charlie

[Dean Romig]

I find no listing for a 13 gauge gun produced by Parker Bros.

14 gauge, yes, but no 13 gauge listed that I could find.

[Jack Hamner]

Originally Posted by charlie cleveland

jack i can t answer your question but there are some who can they will pitch in shortly.by the way congratulations on that parker what ever gauge it is...charlie

Thanks so much, Charlie--I fell in love with it when I saw it, although I doubt I'll ever shoot it!

[Jack Hamner]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

I find no listing for a 13 gauge gun produced by Parker Bros.

14 gauge, yes, but no 13 gauge listed that I could find.

Thank you Dean,
I was just going by a post about a possible 13 gauge on this forum posted on 2/19/13 (p.5) about this same gun. Apparently somebody else was looking at this gun before I bought it.


"The Parker Story on page 257 list the Grade 0 Lifter-Action Decarbonized Steel guns as being in 10, 11, 12, and 13 gauges. Only 4 13 gauges made, 3 of them were 30". No 14s. Just going by that." Quote by the author of this post.

This doesn't sound right, either, because I also read in my earlier post (2/25/13) that over 100 14 gauges were made, except with higher serial numbers. (At least, I think that's what I read......I'm sooooooooo confused!!!

[Mills]

I seem to remember that a few 13 gauges were made, but none have been found lately. If what you have is a 13 gauge, you really have a rare piece.

[Jack Hamner]

Originally Posted by Mills Morrison

I seem to remember that a few 13 gauges were made, but none have been found lately. If what you have is a 13 gauge, you really have a rare piece.

I'm sure hoping so, but not getting too excited because of possible flaws in my measurements. As soon as some of this $%#& snow gets off the ground, I'm going to try (again) to find someone who can accurately determine the gauge.
Thanks so much for your input! Jack.

[Autumn Daze]

Jack, You will need to get good measurements of the chambers.

[Bindlestiff]

Here is a video in which Larry shows how to measure a 11 gauge chamber so he can make custom brass shells to shoot. It would be a good guide to find out what gauge you have. He measures the chamber at about 3:40 into the video. I hope this help.