Just got my first Parker 12 gauge.

[Rick Parker]

I recently acquired a Parker 12 gauge Hammer Gun. By looking thru the site I have figured out that the Serial # 8430 tells me that it was manufactured in 1876. She has a Plain Twist barrel, however I cannot find the Grade marking. She is rather plain, no engravings, and steel buttplate. The stock is a little different than those that I have seen pictures of...the neck which is usually capped at the bottom is rounded. One of the hammer screws is mismatched and she has a few dings and hickies on the stock and forearm. The bore seems to be in pretty good shape, a good cleaning would do wonders. Some minor rust on the barrels, which I would love to clean, but have been advised to just oil. Also, there is a small ping on the end of the barrel. I have included a pic of it...what would be the best method of repair for that? Somebody please fill in the gaps and tell me what I have....thanks in advance.

[Dean Romig]

The book says your Parker No. 8430 is a 10 gauge PT (Plain Twist in reference to the barrel steel) Underlifter with 30 inch barrels. It is probably the lowest grade and is likely to be a Grade 0.

[Rick Parker]

Dean,
Any idea what the T stands for?

Thank you for the quick response.

Rick Parker

[Pa SxS]

The T inside crescents represents Twist steel barrels made up of a composite of steel and iron. The ding at the muzzle can be easily fixed by a gunsmith. Have the gun checked out by a competent gunsmith familiar with vintage guns before you consider shooting it. Then if shootable, use only low pressure loads.

[Dean Romig]

The 'T' with the crescent above and below is Parker Bros. stamp for Twist and was used in reference to Twist, Plain Twist and Stub Twist barrel steel.

[Rick Parker]

and the stock? would that be original? I am full of questions...lol. Based on your earlier comment she is not of any great value being a Plain Jane...but, she is almost 140 years old. How extensive should I clean her? as far as rust removal and such? or just leave the patina and keep her oiled. What are the things I should look for or address before attempting to fire her?

Told ya, full of questions....lol

[Pa SxS]

We would need better pictures of the entire stock. Most of these early guns were straight grip and I notice your pistol grip trigger guard tang has 2 screws. I'm not quite sure if this is correct for a pistol grip although pistol grips weren't that common on those early guns. Give us more pictures of the gun to help us.

The best way to get rid of minor rust is use a bronze scrub pad found in hardware stores and gun oil. Go lightly and see the rust disappear. You can also use the bronze pad and oil to clean out the inside of the barrels.

[Rick Parker]

Pa SxS, IF this is the original stock, and since you said pistol grips weren't common in that day...wouldn't this set up be a "special order"?, or at least a little more rare? maybe adding to the dollar value of the setup. I know she is a Plain Jane.,.but I am looking for at least something special about her....lol In other words, would it be worth sending the stock to a professional?

Rick Parker

[Rick Parker]

It looks to me that someone had tried to fill something and was sanding it...had to be recent, because it looks to be done with a disc sander that got away from them...cant some people just leave things alone? I bet she was pretty even with all her nicks received over the last 137 years. The stories she could tell if she could talk.

[Pa SxS]

The Serialization Book and Stock Book says it should be a straight stock. More than likely, the trigger guard was modified from a straight design to a curved design for the pistol grip, hence the 2 screws seen. It may have been a Parker pistol grip stock off of another gun but it's really not important. The gun is not valuable even with the original stock. Just clean it up and enjoy it either shooting if safe or as a wall hanger.