First offering, first Parker

[Dutch Dalton]

Turnin' Fool,

Thanks for the come back. The 10 is F & F for chokes. One of our local clubs tends to shoot the older SASS style, so the style points roll in for anything of larger caliber (that's where I use it, on their annual). They do still tend to set the KD's a little close though. Can't see through the smoke to see the dust. Haven't figured out the aim point for a field gun for the poppers/birds.

Now the other, which I still have to take pics of, is also a top lever.

Umm, 'tis an 8. Also born 1883. What luck!! Have you seen the movie Appaloosa? Bought the 10, figured that was luck, saw the movie and said why not. So I did a web search and found one in Boise. It was still there when I went to the Idaho State champ. six weeks later, August 2010. F & F chokes, 34" barrels for a 13 lb gun.

Loaded up some BP and set the popper out 20 yards to test it, nooo problamo, still need to work on the P of A for the bird!

Yeehaaaa,
DD

[Bill Murphy]

What is the provenance on your second gun?

[Dutch Dalton]

Bill,

If I understand 'provenance', that would be history?

Ordered 12/1882, shipped 5/1883 by/to E.C. Meachum Arms, St. Louis, MO.
8 gauge, Quality 1 hammer, Laminated steel (not marked), 34". F X F chokes. To achieve the 13 lb. specification, 'tis a 7 frame. Ended up a few ozs. over
13 lbs. Ordered w/rubber butt. No specs on stock length.

Appears to have had a faire amount of field use, bores were neglected. Acid hands at two places on the barrels. Stock appears to have been shortened, now has steel butt plate. Deadeye Dick mentioned the shortening was sometimes done to facilitate heavy winter clothing.

Checked with Brad Bachelder last Fall, about restoration, the acid marks and all. Haven't decided to let loose of it yet.

All in all, if I look that good after 128 years, I'd have a $ million marketing tactic.

Best,
DD

[Dutch Dalton]

Hey Gents,

A few added pics of the 10. Note the difference between a 3 frame 10 gauge and a 7 frame 8 gauge.

Best,
DD