About a year ago, I started reading DGJ and got the itch for a blackpowder era shotgun. I have been shooting BPCR for years. I purchased a 12 gauge Parker Hammer gun made in 1883. I did this rather blindly, but the gun proved to be tight with clean chambers, even though it had a moderate amt. of pitting in the barrels. I wanted it for duck hunting. Then, I was lucky to draw a swan tag for Montana, and that began the quest to take a swan with a blackpowder load. So, the search began for suitable non-toxic shot, and with the help of this forum, I came up with a duck load using #5 bismuth and a Swan/goose load using #2 Nice shot. The load was 3.5 drams 3F black powder/1 1/4 ounces #2 Nice Shot. Enclosed are a couple of pictures of me, the Parker and the swan I took. Thanks to you all, and DGJ, for getting the interest started and for the ultimate journey with the gun. Now I am thinking about 10 gauge guns .........
