Parker shotgun

[pastorp]

Anyone shoot a Parker shotgun? Since my last name is Parker I have wanted one for years. One I could afford to buy and hunt with.

One of my requirements is I'm not a 12ga fan, so it must be a 20 or 16ga gun.

If you own, or and, hunt with a Parker gun tell me about it.

Regards, Byron

[pastorp]

Thought I had fineally found my Parker this week but it turned out the price was right but the condition too rough. Oh well I'll keep looking. Regards, Byron

[Graybeard]

Some of the lower grade Parker guns can be had quite reasonably but condition is important and a lot of the really old guns just weren't cared for very well. I've really never had the urge for one as mostly the stock dimensions in those days were kinda weird compared to now and just don't fit me well. I've passed on several over the years in nice condition at decent prices.

[pastorp]

Bill, I usually like the extra drop in the stock on the older guns. Guess I have a fat face or something. Byron

[jbmi]

I shoot a Parker VH grade  16ga. on an "O" frame. It will be 100 years old next year. I did send for a letter from the Parker Collectors and it told me the exact date it was made and delivered. Nothing has change on the gun except someone did add a nice leather recoil pad but did not cut down the stock.
The bores do have some modest pitting but a local high end gun dealer said this is common in older models as there was a time when it was thought slight pitting made for better patterns. He said owners actually peed down the barrels to accelerate the pitting. Who knows , but I do know it's a beautiful gun to carry and shoot, light weight, well balanced and always gets fondled by other hunters in the group. You can find some good condition lower end models like the Trojan or VH grades for $1200 to $1500 .
Here's mine, I take it out in the woods about twice a year:

[pastorp]

jbmi, Thanks for sharing. Thats a beautiful gun. I could be happy with one like that. Regards, Byron

[Graybeard]

How bout a Parker DH, 12 ga. 26" bbls. choked CYL and LT. MOD (.012"). PG, DT, extractors, Titanic steel barrels. Completely restored to mint. Bulit on a 1-1/2 frame. $3500. 

I found it in an ad from www.gamefairltd.com in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. Phone number is 615-353-0602

Were I interested in a nice Parker 12 ga I'd seriously wanna take a look at it. They are in Nashville, TN according to the ad. Dat's all I know about it just what the ad says. There is no photo in the ad but if still available I'll bet it's online.

[pastorp]

Thanks Bill. It was still listed on their website. I really wanted a 16 or 20 though not a 12. Byron

[Graybeard]

OK Byron we're gonna get you a Parker yet, well that is IF you are serious about wanting one.

Here are three more for ya the first two mostly to show you the bargain the last really is.

Robin Hollow Outfitters, Mapleville, RI 401-568-0331 has the first pair.

They are a 20 gauge AHE with 32" barrels English stock, skeleton but, beautiful and very rae, a magnificent example of Parker's best work they say. Price is only $49,500.

The next is an A-1 Special, 28 ga. masterfully engraved by Runge, with Deigreco Letter, a gorgeous little gun in superb condition, absolutely beautiful. Price again is only $49,500. Hey ya might get a discount if ya take both. 

OK now let's get serious.

Bob's Gun Shop in Alpena, MI 800-659-1343 cell 989-464-6085  has an A-1 Special 20 gauge with 32" barrels for a mere $150,000. What more could ya ask for?

OK one more Ivory Beads has a VII 20 gauge in above average to excellent condition 90% so they say with 28" barrels priced at $3495 which by now you should see is a super bargain basement price for a nice Parker. This is there item #4002. www.ivorybeads.com 888-328-0700.

Seriously if that last one ain't it then I don't know how to help ya find one.

BTW Bob's claims to have LOTS of Parker's in stock.

[pastorp]

Thanks Bill, Of course the high grade guns are fun to look at but out of my price range. I do expect to pay 3-5 thousand though. There is a nice one on gunbroker for $5000. in 20ga right now I've been looking at. Thanks again, Byron

[Graybeard]

From the description and price the one Ivory Beads has listed should be a nice gun at a reasonable price. Ya gotta be seriously rich to afford those others.