Rediscovered Old Parker

[Gerald McPherson]

I sure hope my grandson gets that excited when he gets my grandpas JC Higgins 12ga pump gun with cut barrels. I once killed 5 Quail on the covey rise with it. Congratulations Jeff.

[B. Dudley]

With a gun like this, proper cleaning and repair, if needed, is all that you really want to do to it. Making it look like new, or doing partial restoration work would not be a good idea.

[ArtS]

About 2 months ago, I bid on one very near it in serial number and similar in specification. It had a totally missing hammer and quite honestly was pretty much a wreck. I wanted it because you don't see Parkers this old very often. My oldest is in the 4000 range and a whole other class of gun. This one, too me, is in really nice condition all things considered. The one I bid on went to what I thought was a silly level at the time considering condition. I would let someone knowledgeable examine the gun in person before I did anything bu clean the barrels in a normal way and lube evertyhing to protect it.

[Jeff Dafler]

Originally Posted by Arthur Shaffer

About 2 months ago, I bid on one very near it in serial number and similar in specification. It had a totally missing hammer and quite honestly was pretty much a wreck. I wanted it because you don't see Parkers this old very often. My oldest is in the 4000 range and a whole other class of gun. This one, too me, is in really nice condition all things considered. The one I bid on went to what I thought was a silly level at the time considering condition. I would let someone knowledgeable examine the gun in person before I did anything bu clean the barrels in a normal way and lube evertyhing to protect it.

Thanks for sharing that story, Art, and the advice. I plan to proceed in just the way you described.
Jeff

[Harold Pickens]

I'm from Ohio also ,Jeff and Dave , born and raised in Belmont County, high school in Jefferson County. Still work and own a farm in Belmont, but now live just across the river in Wheeling, WV.
I shoot/hunt with a couple Parker hammer guns, but nothing as old as yours.

[Bill Murphy]

I believe the Private Message (PM) feature is only available to PGCA members.

[Jay Oliver]

Jeff, That is a nice back action Parker your Grandfather left you. I would put the manufacture date at 1872 based on what I have read. Overall the condition is pretty good. Most back actions I see are very rough.

I have a few that I shoot with black powder and smokeless loads. I have Serial#s 01079 and 01081, not too far from yours. Does a 12 gauge shell fit? Some of these early guns are in a few other gauges: 10, 11, 12, 12b, 14 so that would be nice to confirm.

Then I would gently clean it and go use it as Parker hammer guns are just too much fun to shoot