BH 87337 what to do with it??

[Snap Cap]

Brian, first I would try to determine if the gun has a significant documentable provenance. Does it warrant the cost of a complete restoration?

If you want to shoot it, clean up the barrels and see if they are structurally sound. The least expensive approach is a "drop in" 20 ga. tube set, followed by used replacement barrels. Even if you used the existing barrels for a monoblock donor, I expect the cost of sleeving, blueing and forearm fitting would be north of $2K.

If you do not want to shoot it, I would not clean it up at all. I would reassemble it as is and clear coat the metal surfaces to prevent further oxidation and hang it in a prominent place. You might consider ultrasonically cleaning the engraved parts before reassembling. It is a nice conversation starter.

[Brian H]

I definitely am going to shoot it. At a min I will get another set of Damascus 28" barrels and get it working. The end of the barrel crumbled in my hands but actually would be quite funny showing up at the range with tube inserts in them and shooting it. I am sure I would get quite a look!

If anyone has 28" Damascus barrels I am in the market. I will send off for the letter today.

[Ray Masciarella]

When you get the letter, I think it will show the stocks were factory replaced at one time.

[Harold Pickens]

Tough decision, but i think, like Craig, that I would take it slow, and do what I could to get it into shootable condition first. And if time and pocketbook allow, have engraving done later. I have a friend with a whole lot of old SXS barrels and will ask him if by any chance he would have any Parker 12ga damascus, or steel barrels that might fit a 2 frame
gun--probably not, but I will ask.

[Snap Cap]

Brian, how much fell off. You can get tube sets in shorter lengths. They even build them for snub nose guns. Seriously, I will keep a lookout for those Dam(n)? 2 frame 28" barrels.

[Fishtail]

Bill - no, my gun has a normal splinter forend. This is the gun I bought from Cabela's some years ago that HD Kirkover had bought new. It letters as the first steel barreled B grade as I recall.

Don't want to hijack this thread but here are a couple pics of 87712. It's a #2 12/30 straight grip. I ha ve a little bit of a hard time shooting it as the stock is smooth enough that it's a little tougher to hold onto than I like.

I should add that I believe it is the first made with 'Parker' steel barrels and that some had been made earlier with Whitworth barrels.

[Bill Murphy]

Wow!

[Double Lab]

Absolutely stunning!

[Brush Buster]

Greg ,What a Wonderful Gun !!!!!!!!! I wonder what the engravers were thinking ,Deer "Stag " on a shotgun ,My BH Has the same ,wish mine was a beautiful Setter and a couple of Grouse !!!!!!!!!!

[Richard Flanders]

Looks fine to me! Put'er together and shoot it!!!