New Member from Minnesota

[Jay Oliver]

Bill, That is a nice back action Parker. Most of the ones I have seen are rough and with the exception of the stock, yours is in good condition for a back action. Is the barrel steel printed on the rib of the barrel? That would give as an idea of grade and initial price in 1869-1870.

That may be a replacement stock as I don't believe I have seen a back action with a pistol grip stock. That is why it would be good know the barrel steel and if there is any engraving on the receiver. If it is a higher grade gun, the pistol grip stock may be original as it was the "new" cool thing at the time.

I really like the Parker back actions. You definitely have a gun I would try to get back in the field. I have a few of these and enjoy shooting them with black powder and light nitro loads.

Here are a few threads with info and pictures of back actions:

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=28813

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38165

If you have any questions or you or need some help please let me know. And perhaps more importantly, I am not that far away in Rhode Island, and we could have a great day of Parker back action shooting!

Quick Edit I zoomed in on the barrel rib and could see that the barrels are Laminated Steel, which was for a higher grade...very nice!

Jay

[BillCorn]

Hey Jay,

Thanks for the note and the links. The barrel rib is imprinted with 'Parker Bro Makers Meriden Conn Laminated Steel'. The last picture shows that but it is really hard to get a good picture of it. You'll have to blow it up.

I'm a big proponent of keeping these guns alive. I deer hunt with my 1874 Springfield Trapdoor 45-70 and I hope this one will be my turkey gun. I'm really on the fence about the repairing vs replacing the stock. Maybe just repair for now since I don't really plan on selling it. I can always replace it later if need be. But first priority is to get that left hammer fixed.

Thanks again.

[Jay Oliver]

Bill, getting that lock fixed would be my priority. I can send you some recommendations if you don't know a good sxs gunsmith. You can hopefully fix the current stock and as long as the barrels are sound, start enjoying it.

I like the 45-70 as well and have too much fun with black powder cartridges in both trapdoors and Shiloh sharps rifles.

Shooting black powder shells out of a shotgun is too much fun. That would be fun to get a turkey with this back action.

I am putting on a Parker shoot in Rhode Island on May 24th you should come and bring that Parker!

[Jim Beilke]

Bill, check out Laibs Gunsmithing , Spicer, MN. 320 796 2686 I think Pat can help you. Jim

[BillCorn]

Thanks for the tip.

[Jay Oliver]

For some reason I thought you were from New Hampshire not Minnesota. The MN looked like NH

It might be time to break out my glasses!

[Dean Hanson]

Bill, Check your PM's....