Questions about an 1894 Parker Brothers with Damascus steel

[henry_platts]

This shotgun was in my hands today, what grade is it and what you guys think is a fair price to pay. I'm working with the family. Thank You Kindly.

[henry_platts]

DHE grade?

[Researcher]

It is a Grade 3/Quality DH of 1894 vintage. A DHE would have automatic ejectors and Parker Bros. didn't offer ejectors until 1901.

[henry_platts]

Thank You!

[C.O.B.]

I load all my own ammo for the most part and always load 2 1/2 inch shells as they will fit in everything. My 12 ga load is 18 grains of Universal Clays, RST hull, clay buster wad and Winchester 209 primers. It;s a creampuff load of 1050 FPS and 4500 +/- PSI. I have never missed a bird or target because my shot string wasn't going 1200 FPS
Weather or not your gun can stand up to modern pressures remember the wood is over 100 years old. Cheap ammo isn't worth having to get a stock repaired

[Phil Yearout]

I didn’t know there was such a thing as cheap ammo anymore

[henry_platts]

What’s a good over the counter load for hunting dove, figure a nice soft load this would be fun hunting with. Don’t know what i should run for upland

[Mike of the Mountain]

We shoot modern target loads in all our Damascus and twist steel guns. If the barrels are solid and you don't use stupid snotty field loads or the super fast target loads like "Super Crusher" at 1300-1350 FPS, you'll be fine. You have more of a chance of damaging the old wood with heavy loads than you will of blowing up a bbl.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by Phil Yearout

I didn’t know there was such a thing as cheap ammo anymore

"Cheap ammo" is a subjective term.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by henry_platts

What’s a good over the counter load for hunting dove, figure a nice soft load this would be fun hunting with. Don’t know what i should run for upland

By "upland" do you mean pheasants and sharptqail grouse or do you mean ruffed grouse and woodcock?





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