A1 Repro or Runge Parker Upgrade?
 

This gun is a Runge upgrade of an original Parker https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...n_id=101132072. It is priced less than some Repro A1 Specials. What do you think is a better value today?

Thanks,
Ken

No!
Look at 101124754 to compare.
Evaluation requires pics of water table, barrel flats and under rib between forend lug and barrel flats.
Bob Jurewicz

I should have clarified. I was referring to what was needed to evaluate the quality of your referenced Upgrade.
Bob Jurewicz

2072 is the handsomest Runge upgrade I’ve ever seen. Striking!





.

Bob,

Another nice looking upgrade. I agree some more information is needed on the barrel lug, etc. However, are these upgrades more of a value than a Parker A1 special?

Thanks,
Ken

Runge Engraved A1 Upgrade
 

Difficult question, Ken, to give a fair answer. Like the old saying, “beauty and (value in this case) is in the eyes of the beholder and collector. Parker Reproduction Collectors would probably say there is more value in the A1 Reproduction whereas Runge and DelGrego followers/collectors would prefer the subject A1 upgrade. This particular gun on the surface appears to be very well done, and like Dean, is one of the better embellished ones I’ve seen to date. In my opinion both guns have value and would enhance anyone’s collection. 😊

While it may be neither ‘fish, nor fowl’ it’s a pretty gun. I’d certainly find a spot for a flat ribbed 28” 20 with that piece of wood.

Since I started buying guns, the key to most value assessments has been on originality. This point was driven home more so with American made guns than British doubles. The Parker repro A1 specials allowed people to embellish them using a number of artisans. The original Parker upgraded guns are not "original", but certainly done very well and at a comparable price of a repro. There are pros/cons to each type of gun.

I guess what I'm trying to understand with this group, is how much a Repro's value compares to a nicely done upgrade on an original Parker?

I understand these are just opinions with no definitive answer.

Once again thanks,
Ken

If the wood to metal fit on this A1 upgrade is the best they could do then I would find someone else to do the wood. I would think the cost of an upgrade like this would be significant and the owner would expect something comparable to the originals. The wood fit and checkering on this gun does not come close to an original high grade Parker or the Repro A1's in my opinion.

Patrick

PS, That flat rib is way cool!

Now, to directly answer the question you asked.
I own both a 20 GA Repro A1S and a very well done Runge/DelGrego 20 GA A1S Skeet Gun.
I value the Upgrade significantly higher:
1. It is a "real" Parker with the Parker magic within
2. It was "crafted" by the same artisans who would have produced the original guns.
3. It is an exact replica of the Original had it been made in factory to A1S
4. It is made to the same standard of quality as the Originals.
Bob Jurewicz