Parker repros vs. Parker originals
 

At the risk of starting a fight on this forum, what is everyone's take on the quality of Parker Reproductions vs. vintage Parkers? Advantages and disadvantages? :corn:

I have several D grade originals and 1 repo. The repo would be the first to go.

My idea of a quality gun is one that is old enough to not require an FFL for shipping. I shot my vintage GH (pre 1898) with no problems whatsoever and my wife shot her brand new Benelli 28 automatic and it jammed every other shot.

As to manufactured quality: The steel in the Reproductions was better than in the older ones, which is simply a matter of technology advances over 50 years.
The Repro's did not use the case coloring techniques the old ones did, and their colors wear off very fast.
Still and all, If I were to try to find an original 28 gauge DHE with straight stock and single trigger.....Wow, the cost.
I think the Repro's; with the exception of the case coloring are every bit as good, if not better.
(Excuse me, while I duck and run for cover.......cause there's sure to be some incomings.)

Sam Ogle, Lincoln, NE

The original guns had real hand cut engraving, where Repro's have impressed engraving or etched with some hand cut accents. The stock finish is ...well yellow looking. A little red/brown stain would help. Those and the lack of real casecolors are the only few physical characteristics that are negatives to me. All the other physical characteristics are hands down better on a repro.

But the real big intangible is the fact that the gun is not a classic vintage American made gun and it's made in Japan. If the gun had been made in the US, it would have undoubtedly greater following and a long, ever popular appeal here in the US.

I don't have any repros, but my Dad has two. They don't have the classic look, but obviously have the benefit of technology available in the 80's which was not available prior to WWII.

I agree with Sam. The materials are better through advaces in technology.But there just is something about the vintage Parker that transends that. I can't wait until my one Repro losses all it case colors and the wood starts to show wear. Then and only then will it have accumulated enough hunting time to have its own storys to tell.

Lots were sold in 28 and 20 ga. Lots with single triggers and beavertail forends. If that is what you want, your odds of finding that in an original Parker border on slim to none. So for those folks, a Repro is the best choice.
A Repro can be refinished with real charcoal case colors and a correct lacquer/oil stock finish and they look very nice.
We've been showing Repros in the racks with all the other Parkers at Pheasant Fest and other exhibitions. Won't catch me badmouthing Repros.

I think the overwelming opinion of owners of Repros is that they are very good-excellent guns. But almost all would prefer if it had been made here if they could have magically been sold for the same price.

What's a repo?