should I shoot my old Parker or hang it up

[John Yancey]

Here are some better photos. My father said he last shot the gun about 20 years ago. (He doesn't really hunt) I on the other hand hunt all the time. As far as I can tell the gun looks great and ready to hunt with but, I usually hunt with a Browning A5 in with 3.5" shells. I know I can't use those with this Parker but would I be able to use 2.75" Federal 6 shot? My father can't recall what size shells he used. Turkey Season opens up this Saturday and I would love to knock the spider webs off this old beauty with the beard of a big gobbler... HAHA.

Thanks for all the very fast responses you guys are a great help.

John

[Bruce Day]

Your gun was patterned with a 3 dram 1 1/8oz load. Federal makes one that I shoot in my old beaters.

[Gerald McPherson]

Insure for $4000 plus. Shoot 1 or 1 1/8 loads. # 6 shot will kill old tom. Don't put it on display or someone else may own the gun before long. Put it away safely as the previous owners surely did. After you use it for a while you will see what a Parker is all about. Congratulations.
I am sure someone near you that knows enough about Parkers will turn up to take a look at it for you.

[John Truitt]

John,

I grew up in Va Beach. Most of my family is still there. There are several Parker savy people in the area.

I will be there this Saturday and Sunday for a conference.
PM me if you would like to get together.
I can bring my wall thickness gauge to help evaluate the barrel wall thickness. I am no professional but I can at least look it over and give you my opinion.

[J. A. EARLY]

John,

Your gun appears to be a DH. There are no ejectors (what the E in DHE means), and it has an extractor. Very nice gun, especially the straight stock.

[Mills]

Looks like a very nice gun. Gerald gives good advice on ammo. Good luck with the turkeys

[Richard Flanders]

Roger that on the ammo. I never shoot heavy loads in my #1 frame 12ga. I stick to loads of 3drams or less. I'm more worried about the stock wrist than the barrels really. And the light guns like this are just plain uncomfortable to shoot heavier loads in. Doesn't make any sense to put a hvy turkey or duck 12ga load into what is essentially a 16 ga frame gun.

[John Yancey]

I already have a bunch of 1-1/2 oz 4 shot for turkey loads and from what I am understanding I should not use this ammo with my Parker so I will definitely go grab some lighter loads. I intend on using this fine weapon as it was intended as I agree that not using it would be a crime. Everyone on this forum has been great with the advise and I can't thank you all enough. I intend on getting her insured but to be honest no amount of money could replace this family heirloom in my mind. I am still a little stunned and downright giddy like a school girl about this gun being linked to the Eli Lilly family and still have some research to do. I checked the serial # against the original bill of sale documents posted on this site and unfortunately I don't think it survived. At any rate I will continue my research and keep you all informed as to what I find out. Once again you guys have been a wealth of knowledge and I don't know what I would have done without your assistance. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
John

[Mills]

1 1/2 is a bit strong. IMHO

[John Yancey]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

Ahem.
Before shooting this gun, it would be eminently wise to have it closely checked by an experienced double gunsmith. Barrel condition is one thing. Stock cracks, splits, fouling and other problems are another issue.

I've seen some VERY dirty Parkers in my time.

Brad Bachelder would be the guy I'd send it to for inspection and a professional strip-and-clean.

And… if this gun happens to be connected to the Eli Lilly family, keeping it in one piece might be a wise course of action.

Almost forgot. A gun like this requires that you become a member of the PGCA. It's the law...

I am now a new PGCA member... in accordance with the "LAW". LOL