[gs78]

Excuse me if this is in the wrong place. I am looking for info on an old parker double barrel that has been in the family since 1873-1875. This gun has some incredible history involving John Wilkes Booth, however its not documented to the gun, only to the family history and homestead. What I really need is someone to point me towards some info on parkers that I can match with the one we have. Again, apologies if this is in the wrong place, mods feel free to move . Thanks.

[WVMountainBoy]

You've hit the right place my friend, however I'm the wrong person. Just always perk up when I see the name Parker :) I'm sure someone will be along shortly who can be of more assistance. The names Parker and Greener make my mouth water :)

[PJR]

http://www.parkerguns.org/

[oneounceload]

PJR nailed it - best site for info....

[Dave McCracken]

A couple things.....

Parkers' first shotgun was made in 1866. Booth died in April of 1865.

Parker was one of the best US makers ever. Anything that's a real Parker(there are old Belgian knockoffs with names like Barker,etc,) is worth good money.

Of course, you do not want to sell off your heirloom.

If you want to shoot it, have a good smith you'd trust your life to check it out. Some Parkers have Damascus barrels and the very oldest have a weak action. Lots of them also are chambered for ammo shorter than that of today.

Besides the link above, try the BB over at Shooting Sportsman Magazine's site. shootingsportsman,com, I think.