doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Can anybody here tell me about Parker Hammerguns?

What things should I look out for (aside from all the normal old gun problems)? Any special considerations for this particular maker? They always seem to cost a little more than the rest of the American makers, any solid reasons why?

I’ll take a stab at your question. Parker hammerguns, IMO, are finished better than the hammer less guns. Their locks are finished to a high level and fit and finish are excellent. They have the usual issues with loose actions over time but all Parkers do to some extent. If you find one that fits you buy it, overwise you will have to have it restocked or make adjustments. I have several and have never had a broken mainspring. I have heard complaints about the hammers being difficult to pull back because of the strong springs. Find your self one and enjoy.

Thankyou Eeb, appreciate it.

The guy who owns this one I'm looking at just went out and killed a big Tom with it in the Black Hills. I sure hope he hasn't changed his mind about it (because that's exactly what I'm planning on doing with it).

eeb: Are there any major differences between the lifters and the fishtails other than the lockups?

Also, I just registered over in Parker land so I can educate myself a little more. I guess it takes a while to be allowed entry?

The two generations share the same typical lock systems but entirely different opening systems. Also, the differentiation should be lifter vs top lever. The fishtail lever is a variation found on some top levers, believed to have been made to allow some of the larger guns to be opened with the hammers cocked. They apparently made more than needed, as the fishtail is also found on models that don't really require them.

The hammer guns are really admired by a lot of collectors, and there are 5 major generations of design, along with many changeover models seen between the generations. During some periods, different lock styles were used, depending on grade.

AGS: Thankyou for that!

Can you expound on the 5-generations you mention for me, or can you perhaps suggest a publication I might want to examine?

Edit to add: I just ordered a used version of Ed Muderlak's somewhat recent book in the subject.

It won't be cheap but if you can find the two-volume set of "The Parker Story" you will find answers to probably all of your Parker questions.
They are out of print now. There was a deluxe leather-covered and slipcased edition that originally sold for $500 and the cloth-covered edition that originally sold for $295... The cloth edition is usally $350 - $400 these days and if tou find the leather version for less than $800, BUY IT !!

I'll be getting the gun (not the turkey) but at least I know it works. 1887 Grade 1, Fishtail, English stock, F/IM, 30-inch twist tubes, 2 5/8 chambers, 7lbs6.

I'm not finding much reading about these Parker hammers on either the Parker Collectors Webpage or in Ed Muderlak's book. Not sure I'm ready to spring for the $1,300 two volume set just quite yet so anyplace else I should consider?

My first Parker...better late than never, right?

Edit to add: found a well-used copy for $250 so...I'm considering it. What did I say earlier about hammerguns being trouble?

The five iterations were:

The original model, with either back action or front action. Very few made.

Second model with two piece lifter and top pin indicator. The latter modified at some time to delete the top pin. Some were returned for this change.

Third model was the one piece lifter with a wedge forend attachment.

The fourth was the one piece lifter with a forend release.

The fifth was the fourth model with a modified barrel lug system.

There are transitional examples found between some of the models. Also, the frame was altered a couple of times to improve strength.