Parker Lifter model purchase

[ArtS]

Couple of things. I don't have the serialization book in front of me, but 11 gauge Parkers are very rare. I have an 1874 model in 10 gauge with a serial number around 400 past yours. During the early history of Parker, most 12 gauges had 11 gauge barrels and 10 gauges had 9 gauge barrels. There were a few different 12 ga chambers used, depending on brass, paper and forcing cone form. If the gun is in the serialization book or a factory letter is available you could likely determine how it left the factory.

It is possible that it is a 10 ga with 11 ga barrels. As to a 10 ga cartridge fitting, the early Parkers generally had short 10 chambers and a new shell may not fit due to the length being way too long. A check of the records or a letter from the association would likely answer a lot of questions. There honestly is very little chance it is an 11 gauge, but if it is a documented one it is a rarity.

[Nathan Holcombe]

Thanks for the info Arthur. To be honest, I hadn't ever heard of an 11 gauge prior to watching Larry Potterfields video on his Parker lifter model restoration. Not really sure what it is to be honest. The mechanicals are in great shape on the gun, but the stock is really trashed at this point. I won't be shooting it, just wall art and a tribute to the name.

[Nathan Holcombe]

I'll try to get some pictures of the parts soon, since the gun is disassembled now. All of the SN's are the same, and the hardware is all original as well.

[Nathan Holcombe]

By the way, any idea what frame this is? I have been looking for a stock blank, and one of the questions on it refers to this. Thanks in advance-