Seeking info about two Parkers

[Tom Flanigan]

Dave gave you good advice. I would add that I have a somewhat different opinion on shooting 2 3/4 inch shells in short chambers. I believe that the pressure increase of shooting 2 3/4 inch shells in the shorter chambers of the old 16 bores is minimal.

I personally would and have shot 2 3/4 inch shells in the older shorter 16 bore chambers. It's up to you to decide what to shoot in your gun. RST makes great low pressure short 16 bore shells perfect for old Parkers.

If you do decide to shoot the gun with standard factory shells, stick to the low brass loads rather than the maximum loads. It's not a safety issue, but the lower pressure loads are easier on old guns. High brass maximum loads are never necessary, in my opinion.

[B. Dudley]

They are both fine field grade guns that are in mostly original and unmolested conditon. Re recoil pads on them (i cannot see the back of the 12g, but i assume) are the only non-oriignL modification. But the stock (on the 16g at least, cant tell on the 12 for sure) has not been cut, so things are easily able to be put back to proper configuration if so desired.

[TARNATION !!!]

Bill: If the next generation is going to put the guns back in the field, I would recommend a complete tear down, clean and lube. No doubt the guns will probably shoot without that but when closing in on a century, the innards could use a day at the spa. The three pieces the guns break into - forearm, action and barrels are actually around 100 parts. There will be hardened oil, dirt, grit, rust etc that is not visible and that does interfere with smooth functioning. Make sure the gunsmith is familiar with Parkers. For interest, here are the parts in a Parker VH action. This one is ready for another century now and has already taken a few wild pheasants.