Totally confused by my new parker

milotrain · 08-10-2013, 08:01 PM

About a year ago I bought a hammerless Parker 12g with twist barrels from a trusted dealer but only based off pictures. They were not sure what the grade was and thought it was a Trojan which it is not I believe.

• The serial number puts it at 1890
• There are serial number stamps on the trigger guard, side of the barrel lug, and on the water table.
• The letter for the grade stamped on the water table looks like an "r" lowercase, or possibly a "P" uppercase.
• The roll pin is not slotted on either side.
• It is a size 1 12g.
• It has extractors not ejectors.

The link leads to all the photos I recently took of her.

Additionally I read through as much as I could regarding shooting non black powder loads with this gun and it would seem that while many do so with twist barrels (using RST or similar) there seem like a few who advise against it. I know it's a personal choice but I'd be interested in any recommendations, specifically if someone knows where I could get black powder paper cartridges.

paul stafford jr · 08-10-2013, 08:20 PM

sounds like a P grade , 1 1/2 frame. with pictures and a serial # I could check the numbers book for more info.

wayne goerres · 08-10-2013, 08:21 PM

You have a P grade parker that looks to be in pretty good shape. Have the barrel wall thickness checked and if it is OK you should be able to shoot light smokeless shells like RST.If you want black powder you will have to load your own. There several you tube vidios on loading black powder and you wont need any special tools.

paul stafford jr · 08-10-2013, 08:38 PM

I found the pictures , my bad

Leighton Stallones · 08-10-2013, 08:39 PM

Just shoot some low pressure smokeless as we all do . You will be happier than loading BP unless you like the smoke and cleaning.

edgarspencer · 08-10-2013, 08:52 PM

I'm not sure who advises not shooting smokeless loads in Twist Steel barrels, but clearly, they haven't read Sherman Bell's testing of Composite barrels vs steels barrels. That Kool Aid they were handing out a hundred years ago is getting pretty stale by now.
I shoot a 1 frame, twist barrel hammer gun with RST MaxiLites and haven't a concern it the world about the safety of doing it.

Eldon Goddard · 08-10-2013, 10:20 PM

That is a nice looking PH. I like the look of twist barrels and yours have a lot of figure left.

milotrain · 08-11-2013, 12:57 AM

Thanks all for the responses, very helpful and quite appreciated.

I have always loved doubles, and especially like thin stocks and double triggers. It was a perfect time of a little excess money and what looked like exactly what I wanted on sale. She wasn't the cheapest (and with California import costs was more than I had expected) but ended up being around $1100 after taxes, shipping and fees. I think she is very pretty and points beautifully. Initially I was debating briley tubes but now I think I'll just shoot it with light RSTs or Spred-R loads. I certainly don't need to add weight to the barrels.

Is there a recommendation of a smith for a basic checkup? I've heard merrington, being spoken of highly. The screws have the obvious rough handling marks and I'm not sure what can be done about that.

Hammer Gun · 08-11-2013, 06:45 AM

Brad Bachelder or Kirk can do what you want and you will be pleased with the results, I am sure there are folks on this board that will agree, Gary

B. Dudley · 08-11-2013, 09:41 AM

A nice looking P grade you have there. You should enjoy shooting it for sure. If the bores are good and the wall thickness checks out, shoot them. Do bear in mind that the walls on a 1 frame 12g will be a bit thinner cowards the breech than the heavier frame sizes.
Barrel finish on that gun is very nice.
Kieth Kearcher could also look at your barrels for you, he would be your closest bet, being you are in CA. He is in OR.