parker bros

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tony d

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well I must have done something right I received for christmas a parker 16ga with fitted box I love it its not in perfect condition but is definately in good working order with maybe 50% blueing I checked out parker.org & dated it to 1903. Does anyone else shoot these old 16,s in Alberta & where is the best place
to get loads for this critter Game bore or any oher traditional loads ??
Thanks Tony
 
I presume it's 2 1/2 in. Yes Gamebore makes them. You should probably order a flat minium.
 
Tony, congratulations, Parkers are among the finest guns produced in America and you are a lucky man to receive such a gift. You never really own a gun like that, you are just granted custodianship for a while (a lifetime?). Be a good custodian, learn about the gun and what it likes to be fed. Don't "improve" it with buffing wheels and the like.

You determined the age of the gun, did you also identify the grade, frame size and barrel weight? Have you measured the chambers? What are the bores like? Is there sufficient wall thickness remaining? Prior to shooting the gun, there are a number of questions which should be answered. A good double gunsmith (try David Henry in Bentley near Red Deer) will be able to "vet" the gun and spot any potential trouble spots, unless you consider yourself competent to do the job.

1903 was a long time ago, before SAAMI or CIP existed. Research will indicate what loads the gun was made for, and what pressures you should shoot. Take it easy on the loads, the gun is no longer new. If you plan on shooting the gun (I would, if the condition warrants it) you should seriously consider a 16 gauge reloading setup - it will save you money in the long run and give you peace of mind regarding the pressures.

The 16 gauge is a wonderful shotshell. A one ounce load of # 7 shot at 1000 fps will pattern very well and be effective on both grouse and clays.

Parker collectors are grade A gun nuts and there is enough printed material available to keep you reading for months. Watch out, it can be an addictive hobby.

Sharptail
 
Onthe tags that originally came with the gun states that it has 2 9/16 chambers the gn was patterned at 40 yards on a 30 inch circle rh barrel 145 pellets lh barrel 185 loaded with 1 ounce #7 2 1/2 drams this is all that I have as far as safety everything is tight & clean I would not be afraid to use this gun with proper ammunition I am debating about getting the history from Parker .org I don't have a high grade model but who cares
 
Parker

Tony,
Congratulations on your great Christmas gift! You must have been a very good boy this year. I have a Parker Serialization book. If you post the serial number I might be able to tell you the original configuration, barrel steel, and grade of your gun. Not all the Parkers are in this book and some don't even have information for a factory letter. I received a letter on a VHE 12 gauge a while back. It contained the order date and who ordered it (Tisdale Leigh of Vancouver in 1913). It also had the date shipped, grade, barrel steel type, barrel length, stock configuration, chokes, LOP, DAH, weight, and price of the gun and optional ejectors. I'm waiting on two more letters on a couple of others that I picked up. If you're interested in this type of information it is well worth the money. Parkers are solid, well made guns. You should have no problems with the Gamebores as long as it is in good shape. I ordered a flat of Gamebores from Russel Sports, but Wholesale Sports can usually get them in for you.
 
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Parker Bros

Tony D,

You are a lucky man! I am not in your neck of the woods, but I do shoot short chambered 16's and Parkers, but no Parker 16 yet. I do participate in the low preassure 16 gauge group that grouser referred you to, and have learned alot from those gentlemen.

I'm certain I speak for all of us when I ask for photos, details, and more photos.

What is the grade, frame size, barrel length? Have you shot it yet?

Mark
 
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