New member and new to Parker Shotguns.

Tennessee Dave · 10-06-2023, 09:25 AM

Hello everyone, my name is David. I have always been an outdoor person that enjoyed hunting. I have a few older, pre 1970's shotguns made by Marlin, Remington, Winchester and Stevens. I recently was able to acquire my 1st Parker Brothers shotgun and it's my new favorite. It's only a GH 12 ga. with Damascus barrels that has a few minor issues, but I hope to be able to get a better one or two in the future. I have a few questions about the originality of this gun that I will be asking about later after I get some decent pics to post of it. I look forward to watching and learning more about these amazing guns and getting to interact with some of you as well.

Edited to add its serial # is 90875 which I think is an 1899 gun.

Andy · 10-06-2023, 10:15 AM

David, welcome first of all. Second, don't ever use the word "only" when referring to a Parker : ) They are in varying condition but all are wonderful due to their history and durability. My first Parker is "only" a 16g VH on a 1 size frame, 28" barrels and opened by someone to Cyling/Imp. Cylinder chokes, the bluing is worn, it's as loose as a 1950's Chevy and it rattles on the hinge pin when open. The stock is chewed up but she's all original and a damned good bird killer. After a dozen Parkers she's still my very favorite. Dean Romig once said, "Tell us when you get a dozen" and I'll forward that message to you. Welcome to the disease, this is a great forum you'll learn a LOT. Where are you located?

Dean Romig · 10-06-2023, 10:28 AM

Welcome David!! The appreciation and acquisition of each Parker is truly a wonderful journey. My first Parker was a borrowed Trojan 12 gauge in 1960 but then I bought my first Parker of my own in 1999. It was an 1898 12 ga DH with 30" Titanic Steel barrels.... and I simply can't stop...

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Tennessee Dave · 10-06-2023, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

David, welcome first of all. Second, don't ever use the word "only" when referring to a Parker : ) They are in varying condition but all are wonderful due to their history and durability. My first Parker is "only" a 16g VH on a 1 size frame, 28" barrels and opened by someone to Cyling/Imp. Cylinder chokes, the bluing is worn, it's as loose as a 1950's Chevy and it rattles on the hinge pin when open. The stock is chewed up but she's all original and a damned good bird killer. After a dozen Parkers she's still my very favorite. Dean Romig once said, "Tell us when you get a dozen" and I'll forward that message to you. Welcome to the disease, this is a great forum you'll learn a LOT. Where are you located?

East Tn.

Tennessee Dave · 10-06-2023, 01:26 PM

How do you post pics.

Tennessee Dave · 10-06-2023, 02:38 PM

Here are a few pictures.

Mike of the Mountain · 10-06-2023, 04:22 PM

Nice looking gun David. No such thing as "ONLY"!! Some of us love the lower grades. They're solid guns and shoot just as well as a higher grade Parker. Enjoy the addiction!!

Tennessee Dave · 10-07-2023, 09:44 PM

What would be the safest type of ammunition to shoot through this shotgun?

Mike of the Mountain · 10-07-2023, 10:09 PM

Have someone who is familiar with vintage doubles check your bores, barrel wall thickness and whether the gun is on face or not. If everything checks out you should be able to shoot standard target loads through it. You don’t want to use heavy loads as they can be hard on the stock. The wood takes a lot of punishment from heavy game or target loads.

Tennessee Dave · 10-08-2023, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Have someone who is familiar with vintage doubles check your bores, barrel wall thickness and whether the gun is on face or not. If everything checks out you should be able to shoot standard target loads through it. You don’t want to use heavy loads as they can be hard on the stock. The wood takes a lot of punishment from heavy game or target loads.

I will do that. Thanks for the advice.