The Money Pit

[C.O.B.]

Parker #97372 left Meridian in 1900 as a GH 16 O frame with 28 inch Damascuss barrels choked M/F.

She came to me via a fellow PGCA member who got her from another member who got her from God knows where but probably off Gunbroker. I know all PGCA parties envolved and she was in rough shape even for her age. Realizing the potential her barrels were sent to Dale Edmonds who restored them to the beauty they once were. Interestingly enough there are two different damascuss patterns.

It was the barrels and the fact she was an O frame 16 that attracted me. I got her at the investment that had already been made and we were then off and running. The chokes were to tight for my applications so off to Mike Orlean to open them up to .004 & .010. The bores were mirror bright with no pitts and even though the stock finish was worn to nothing and the checkering all but gone on the forarm no one had put a screwdriver to her. She was used as Parker had intended for 110 years and now deserved a makeover.

When I put her up to my shoulder she rattled a little bit and there was enough movement of the barrels I was concerned. You could see daylight between the barrels and the water table so off she went to get put back on face.

The stock was refinished and the checkering recut. I took her along Grouse hunting this weekend as a test run. One more trip to the smith and the makeover will be complete. The right trigger pull is to heavy and there is a bit of a catch as you move the top lever to open her.

Now she will be good for another 100 years.