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Parker Bros...Shotgun Value?

riverguide323
I've inherited an old Parker Bros 12 ga sxs, and I am wondering its value. It has these things written on it.
-Damascus Steel
- patent Mar 26,1878
-serial # 838XX
-Parker Brothers on Faceplate

The gun seems to a be a field grade it doesn't have much engraving on it. The wood is in great condition, no scratches or dings. The checkering is good. There isn't much blueing left, but it is all in excellent shape no dings or scratches.

What can you tell me about my gun? Can I shoot it?

.................................................................................................
"Pure wildness is the one great want, both of men and of sheep (John Muir)."

"In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World (Thoreau)."
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • bobski
    parkers were and are still considered the best shotgun ever built. but, in the case of yours, its an early one and has more collectiblity than it does function. the damascus bbls were designed for black powder. when smokeless came out, many people blew their guns up shooting new modern rounds in old guns. even with all the blueing gone, (10-20%) you might sill get some people interested in it, but as far as shooting it (or carrying it in a canoe, sorry, couldnt resist) i would refrain from it, unless you had insert tubes fit to it. first, i'd have a smith check it out for lock up and see if the receiver has any slop in it. next, tell us if its internal or external (rabbit ears). parkers are all hand made, so if you break it, it will cost you big bucks to repair. visit www.gunshop.com forums and inquire. tell then bobski sent you. many parker collectors hang out there waiting to help you. wow. a parker. im proud of you. you finally have a sbs worth talking about! 130 years later and you have it in your hands. see? THATS how guns were meant to last! good luck!
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  • 101AIRBORNE
    The Serial No. indicates a DOM of approximately 1896. The grade
    will be a letter stamped on the water table. The frame size will be
    a number stamped on the barrel locking lug. 101
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  • riverguide323
    Thanks for the replies. Definetly not taking this gun out in my canoes Bobski![:D]

    I will have a smith check it out, I am thinking about having it tubed. The gun fits me perfectly, and feels perfect in my hands. I would love to shoot it every now and then.

    And yes, Bobski it is much nicer than my Baikal (I broke down and bought one) I do like the Baikal. But, your 100% correct ....nothing feels as good as quality.

    By the way the gun does not have rabbit ears.

    .................................................................................................
    "Pure wildness is the one great want, both of men and of sheep (John Muir)."

    "In Wilderness is the Preservation of the World (Thoreau)."
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  • bobski
    see? told ya. the best way to test a guns quality is have someone hand you a shotgun blindfolded. when you pick it up and shoulder it, theres something about the way its balanced and feels that will tell you you got something fine in your hands. like the sparkle of perfect diamond. women can spot them a mile away! be careful of those rabbit ears. dont bang em or they will break. the quick way to test lock up on that gun is to do the old 6 oclock test. look at the bbl latch. where is it in relation to centerline down the length of the gun? if its closer to 5 oclock, its tight. if its pointing 6 oclock or directly at the butt, its worn. let us know!
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