The Parker 11 Gauge Shotgun Presented by Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA Reloading

Published on February 24, 2014
Duration: 7:57

This video details the restoration and reloading of a rare 1870s Parker 11 Gauge side-by-side shotgun. Larry Potterfield demonstrates advanced gunsmithing techniques, including fabricating a replacement coil spring for the lifter lock and machining custom brass shells. The process highlights the rarity of the 11 gauge and the meticulous work required to bring such an antique firearm back to functional status using black powder.

Quick Summary

Larry Potterfield restores a rare Parker 11 Gauge shotgun, a model from around 1870. He confirms the gauge via chamber casting, fabricates a replacement lifter lock spring, and machines custom brass shells, etching them with authentic headstamps for black powder reloading.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Rare Parker 11 Gauge
  2. 00:26Parker Lifter Model Features
  3. 00:50Rarity of 11 Gauge
  4. 01:07Inspection & Disassembly
  5. 02:17Receiver Repair: Fabricating Spring
  6. 03:37Chamber Casting for Gauge
  7. 04:40Machining Custom Brass Shells
  8. 05:27Etching Parker Headstamps
  9. 05:46Reloading with Black Powder
  10. 07:49Range Test: Firing the Parker

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Parker 11 Gauge shotgun rare?

The 11 gauge chambering itself is extremely rare. Parker Brothers was likely the only American manufacturer to produce shotguns in this gauge, and only for a few years, making them highly sought after by collectors and historians.

How did Larry Potterfield confirm the shotgun's gauge?

Larry Potterfield used Cerrosafe alloy to create a precise chamber cast. Measuring this cast confirmed the shotgun was indeed chambered in the rare 11 gauge, a size between the more common 10 and 12 gauges.

What advanced gunsmithing techniques were used in the video?

Advanced techniques included fabricating a replacement coil spring for the lifter lock mechanism, machining custom brass shotshells from raw stock on a lathe, and electrochemically etching historically accurate headstamps.

What are the key components for reloading black powder shells?

For these custom 11 gauge shells, the load consisted of 3 drams of Goex black powder, 10 gauge wads, and 1 1/8 ounces of shot. Large rifle primers were used, and the shells were sealed with 'water glass' glue.

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