- Historical background on the Parker Company and its guns - Production and distribution methods explained In the American shotgun world, the Parker Shotgun represented class and distinction. The story of the Parker gun is not only about a firearms product but also about a large and incredibly diversified industrial holding. First created by Charles Parker in 1865, Parker guns were arguably the best firearms available from their inception to their final production in 1947. Johnson’s classic reference details the origin of Parker guns, outstanding dates in Parker history, the absorption by Remington, and other important facts for the avid gun collector.