Parker DHE 12 ga Damascus Barrels

[Ross Alvord]

I would appreciate some advice on a Parker DHE 12 ga, 2-3/4" chambers circa 1905, w/ 30" Damascus barrels, Solid Rib, Chokes F/F (.044/.041). It has been restored by Doug Turnbill, NY (top-rate restorer as I understand). I might have liked an original condition English double and/or a Parker, but combination of condition/price likely won me over here.

1. What would be safe ammunition to shoot? I noticed a company called RST Shotshells that produces low pressure shells. Or, is it possible to use any off-the-shelf shells safely in this vintage shotgun? What do I need to look for: Brand? Pressure? Shell Casing? Other?

2. Where, how, and should I have the barrels certified "Nitro Proof" as I understand it? I might feel better and safer to have it proofed. Having a restored gun might allow me more "peace of mind" (apparently inspected, a bit less collector appeal) in shooting it once I know it is fully safe and capable.

3. I noticed an article somewhere regarding Briley tubes fitted to the barrels. I suppose that is one approach, but I might prefer to be more original if I can do it safely? Otherwise, maybe that is an option to consider.

4. I would be pleased with any comments, perspective, shared knowledge, etc., that anyone is willing to provide reagarding these old fine Parkers, their care, shooting, do's/don'ts, other. I'm a bit green on this era of firearms.

No photos yet, maybe I can include later.

Thanks much.

[OH Osthaus]

Yes Turnbull restorations are very well done,

to your points

#1 - assuming safe wall thickness - RST are as good as you will find. Polywad makes the "Vintager" shell which is another good low pressure 2 1/2 inch - off the shelf shells will likely be higher pressure. your chamber are most likely not 2 3/4 inch originally, but some were. By 1905 - smokless powder was in common use - but I personally stick to the low presure loads in damacus

#2 - not sure if you are in the USA - there is no standard proof house here. you can have it done at Birmingham England Proof house - not inexpensive, and you need an exporter to handle the transfer.

#3 - sure you can tube it - but if the barrels are good you don;t need to

#4 - look in the Hunting with Parkers forum for some pictures of other damascus DH's in action

as for care- its not much different than any good double - keep it clean and shoot it safely

we will certainly look forward to photos when you can share them. Join the PGA and get a letter on the gun- you can sometimes find some interesting history on the guns.

[Ross Alvord]

Good info, thanks much. I am in USA. My only reason for the Nitro Proofing idea was to validate the condition and a safety issue. If we can determine otherwise then I am OK. I don't expect to push any loads as I have other guns to do that with. This is just for fun and to own a piece of fine history in a fine Parker. Great advice. Thanks for your support.

[OH Osthaus]

a Parker research letter may show you if the gun was originally 2 3/4, Or a call to Doug Turnbull's shop may let you know if it was opened there They may also have records of what was done to the barrels- most importantly - was any metal removed to clean up the bores. But I seriously doubt a gun left his shop dressed up with no place to go - (safe to shoot) so the question would be has it been altered since the restoration.

My opinion is that the most important thing to know is the wall thickness. Many of these gun had plenty of meat in them to start - and a light cleaning out did those no harm.

these old guns - when in safe condition - are a blast (pun intended) to shoot. I shot a DH damascus over my dogs several times this season.


where are you located? we might be able to find a shop near you with the knowledge to check them.

[B. Dudley]

Wall thickness and bore condition are key here. Why chance nitro proofing them and having catastrophic results? When an RST load will work just fine. Again considering safe wall thickness and good bores. I do not know how long ago Turnbull restored this gun, but I would not think him to restore a gun that was not safe to shoot. But you never know.
RST shells are reasonably priced for the benefits they have, starting at around $10 a box.

[Ross Alvord]

O.H. I am in UT. Maybe a good idea to get to a qualified gunsmith for a checkout on barrels and thickness and a once over inspection. I'm hoping the 2-3/4" chamber is original but don't know that yet. A letter is a good idea also.

B. Dudley, I would think if the gun was very questionable that D. Turnbull would not have gone through the restoration. I can't yet speak to the 2-3/4" chamber, that is the listing. I saw a 1900 that was 2-1/2". I will need to verify.

Do we have any idea what the wall thickness should have been to start and/or what is "safe and acceptable"?

Thanks for the advice and details.

[OH Osthaus]

some light reading on the wall thickness question

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...wall+thickness

[Ross Alvord]

Great, that explains it clearly. I'll check it and see what it measures.

[AmarilloMike]

Another thread with some minimum wall thickness content:

http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...hlight=minimum

[Ross Alvord]

Great info. Thanks for the threads and references. Very helpful.