New User from Alberta

[Scott Grant]

Hi there.

New user from Alberta and I'm hoping to get a rough idea of the value of a Parker Bros. shotgun that I inherited.

It is a top lever hammerless, side-by-side, in 12 gauge (18.53mm bore), 30" barrels, choked full, silver bead front, double triggered, checkered walnut pistol grip stock, and splinter forend.

"Trojan Steel" is marked on the rib, grade "OV R" is marked on the flats, weight "4" is marked on the flats, frame size "K2" is marked on the barrel lug, and serial number "168129" is marked on the forend iron, lumps, and watertable (which puts the manufacturing date at 1914). "129" appears inside the bar, below the watertable.

And it has a Pachmayr "White Line" ventilated rubber recoil pad.

(Pictures attached.)

The stock has a repaired hairline crack, so I'm also looking for recommendations on hull type, shot size, and velocity to prevent further damage.

I appreciate any input you could give me.

[David Noble]

Hello Scott, welcome to the forums and congratulations on your inherited Parker Trojan.
You are requesting a value, which is a very subjective subject. Being that the stock has a repair, a recoil pad installed and considering the over-all condition, I believe it would be safe to say that your gun is likely worth under $800. It is however still a Parker and thus a very well made SxS. It would make an very good shooter. As far as the ammunition and hull size, you need first determine the chamber length. As far as velocity matters, the integrity of the stock is your first concern. If it was properly repaired then it should still handle standard loads in the 1150 fps velocity range, with a proper low pressure powder and up to 1 1/8 oz of shot. Shot size will generally have no bearing, unless a larger buck shot size or slug is used. This is just a rough guess so you should take the gun to a good dealer that knows side by side shotguns well, and get an opinion.