DHE Questions
 

I recently bought a pair of reproduction DHE shotguns - a 20 and a 28. Both are double trigger 28 inch guns choked M/F. They are not mint - showing normal wear from typical use. Since they are not collector pieces I would like to open the chokes so they are more useful. I'm in Texas and can get this done at Briley in Houston. Is there any reason I should not do this other than not altering the original factory configuration for collector purposes? Also the DHE 20 has a broken right ejector. Are there any recommendations for a gun smith who could fix it? Maybe open the chokes too? I appreciate any insight. best regards, Chris

I was looking at Kody Kearcher’s website and he fixes broken ejectors.

It’s not uncommon for the right ejector on Repros to break.

I would recommend you test pattern both guns before opening the chokes. You may learn they might do the job nicely on wild birds… unless you’re shooting woodcock in tight cover.





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John, Dean - thanks for the responses! Chris

I opened the chokes on my go-to grouse repro and have never regretted it. I am sure Briley could do a good job. An alternative might be to have Briley thin wall choke tubes installed. I have a 20 with them and have no complaints. I have heard that they will not install them in a 28 due to lack of barrel material.

As for the ejectors, your problem is likely the ejector hammer. I've broken two of them. Joe Breda markets a quality replacement. It does require some fitting and that means a smith familiar with Parker ejectors. Sorry I do not have his contact info but he advertises in Parker Pages.

Not mint then open them up to what fits your needs. I'm guessing your 28 gauge is tight as tight can be, but putting them on paper is always a good thing to do.

I believe Joe will be posting something shortly on his Ejector hammers.

Or you can shoot Joe Breda a PM from here.





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Joe Breda here.
Yes, I do have a new stock of Ejector Hammers and ready for shipping!
Give me a call. 661-902-1602
Email. Blackjackcash2@cs.com.
Email, call, or text me and I can tell you more about them.

Joe, Sure would like for you to be a PGCA member, I know you advertise in Parker Pages.

I just had a broken right ejector repaired by DelGrego.

On a Parker Reproduction?





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Yes, it was my SSS.

Interesting…

When I contacted Lawrence years ago to buy a right ejector hammer he refused selling it to me saying “how would it look if I sold one to you for a Reproduction and that laft me short for my original Parker customers?”
I asked him if he worked on Repros and he replied in the negative.





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The 28 gauge repros with M & F chokes are normally so tight they are useless for normal upland hunting in my opinion. I'd definitely have them opened. I had a 28 with Briley thin walls and really liked it. I'm not a fan of tight chokes with todays shells.

Chris I would definitely shoot some pattern paper first because "Ya never know", paper doesn't lie. Then if you want choke done check with Briley's. I have had them open a couple, one a VH 20. They will measure your actual bore then help you pick a diameter appropriate to the choke effect you want. They are spot on on their machining. I've used them for a number of services for years and always walked out happy.

Buy from Joe with confidence. One of his replacement ejector hammers installed last week. Fit and operation was perfect.