Just got my first Parker 12 gauge.

[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.

[Rick Parker]

Thanks for the information. I don't think the gun is worthless...it is a 137 yr old Parker, it should have some inherent value. However, I have no dellusions that I had found an expensive gun. I really like the gun, would love to shoot it, and besides, my name is on it.....Parker....lol How, or where do I find the info you used to answer my questions about the stock? Not that I doubt you at all....quite the opposite, I want to learn as much as I can.

Thanks again,

Rick Parker

[Pa SxS]

I'm the Research Chairman and I have copies of the original Order and Stock books.

[Rick Parker]

So? does this information you have tell anything about the original purchaser? or just the info of status as it left the plant? My wife saw me rubbing on it with a cloth, and said that if I did that to her, we would get along better...lol