doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Parker Trojan

Are Parker Trojans just unadorned, no frills Parkers, or is there something significantly different about them. Graded Parkers seem to be held in such high esteem, whilst Trojan Parkers are not. Also, when did Parker standardize their chamber lengths? The one I just purchased has 2 9/16th chambers. I have plenty of 2 1/2 inch shells in lead and Bismuth, but would like to use Hevi Shot Classic Doubles at some point if deemed safe by those who know.

A Parker through and through without the "make up"!
the Parker experts will explain the "differences" but for all intents and purposes, the same gun from a mechanical standpoint.

Different frame shape and lower grade of finish, standard configurations only. Different forend latch, I think. Some Trojans did not have the doll's head extension. Barrel steel may be different from other grades, but probably same as V-grade, just different markings to create market differentiation. Chambers were intentionally cut to 2-9/16" for 2-3/4" shells because Parker believed that provided better sealing. Murphy will have more details.

It's a very nice gun. Would it be safe to say it is comparable to a higher end Birmingham boxlock of the same period or is that pushing it? It is a 1914 gun.

baldrick, you could easily start a world war with that last question! Judge the Parker by what it is--one heck of a stout, well made gun. Even though made to compete in the "hardware store" market and cosmetic corners were cut to achieve the price point, they never sacrificed quality. The same workers who made the high grades made the Trojan on the same bench. The same barrel steel, most of the internals, came out of the same box as an A-1 special. No, it is not on a par with upper Birmy boxlocks in many refinements but it'll sure shoot right along with them.

Thanks Joe, I'll mind myself next time.

12 gauge parker trojans are heavy weight clubs. 12 gauge english boxlocks are light weight magic wands...each has its purpose.

All the Trojans I have ever seen had a snap off forend which had a very strong catch, requiring a good deal of effort to remove. I have never seen a Trojan with a Doll's Head. The one I once owned had a straight rib extension, others had no rib extension at all. It was a strong serviceable gun , but I just like my Lefevers a lot better, so have never regretted having traded it away & have no desire for another. I do seriously regret that some years back when one could buy a really nice G grade Damascus Parker for a song & sing the song, I did not avail myself into acquiring one of those.

Upgraded wood of course, but I don't think they gave up a whole lot in the looks department. It is a club though, no doubt. 1912 (first year?) with the straight rib extension.
CHAZ

First Parker I had was a 20ga Trojan, 28in barrels and a factory refit of beaver tail forend. I shot extremely well on Gambel's quail and doves with it. It had a trigger problem, doubling frequently so I sold it based on that issue to someone who wanted to have it redone. Went to 20ga VHE which is still with me 30 years later. Biggest difference is finish levels and the receiver has a lot more machining done.
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