Parker Repro v. Winchester Model 23 - Page 3

Wilmurt · 06-19-2017, 04:24 PM

Finally, I pulled the trigger (literally), on Saturday picked up a lightly used Parker Repro 2
barrel set in a private sale. Straight grip, splinter, single triggger, 26" IC/M and 28" M/F, manual, case, key and all original papers. Weighs in at about 5.5 lbs on digital scale. Nice wood, nothing spectacular. I've been watching prices on GB and GI and found similar sets for $6.2k-$9k and this gun was bought for less than the least price set. While I've hunted grouse with a variety of guns and gauges I can now say I have a true Grouse Gun. Mission accomplished.

Ken Hill · 06-19-2017, 04:32 PM

Tom,

Congrats! How about a picture?

Ken

Bill Murphy · 06-19-2017, 05:09 PM

Tom, thanks for showing me your new Repro Sunday. I also enjoyed discussing Purdey shotguns with you at lunch.

Harold Pickens · 06-20-2017, 08:57 AM

Approx. 1984, I boubht a Model 23 20 ga Pigeon XTR lightweight. It had a semi-beavertail and single trigger. Shortly after, I bought a VH 1 frame 16, and a Sterlingworth Deluxe 16--I still have both of those guns but sold the Winchester. Details are sketchy now but as I recall, Ernie Hausmann and Steve Cobb had stopped over at our cabin, along with another gent who was an attorney for the NRA.He was on his way out west to hunt with Wayne LaPierre and he made me an offer on the gun for just over what I had paid for it, and with few regrets I let it go.
Bottom line, I'd go with the Parker Repro

Daniel G Rainey · 06-20-2017, 12:36 PM

Have never had a Parker repro, but had Model 23 in a 20 ga. and had a lot of problems with it.

Wilmurt · 06-20-2017, 10:54 PM

Will be away for a few weeks and will post pictures when I get back

Scott Chapman · 06-21-2017, 12:23 AM

I have a 20 gauge Winchester Model 23 Pigeon Grade XTR 26" IC/M with straight grip that I received as a high school graduation present from my father in 1984.
It fits me very well and I shoot it pretty straight.

The problem is that I am constantly having the barrel selector switch getting "stuck" unintentionally when I mount the gun and switch the safety forward. Is there anything that can be done to inactivate the barrel selector? It is aggravating as heck when a covey comes up and it is locked up.

BTW I don't have this problem with the 16 gauge Trojan my grandfather passed down to me! But the Trojan has become my son's favorite so what can I do!

Maybe buy another Parker...

Whitefish · 06-21-2017, 08:13 AM

Another option but only in 12 or 20 ga. are the Classic Doubles made in the same Olin K factory as the 23's. Very few are around, but the Model 201 in 20 ga. is a nice gun. I had two from Jaques that I bought in the late 80's when he was liquidating the remaining stock after Classic Doubles went out of business. That Olin K factory is long gone, but a few of the 201's show up from time to time. I still have the 20 but sold the 12 years ago.

birddogdoc · 06-21-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Jay

Finally, I pulled the trigger (literally), on Saturday picked up a lightly used Parker Repro 2
barrel set in a private sale. Straight grip, splinter, single triggger, 26" IC/M and 28" M/F, manual, case, key and all original papers. Weighs in at about 5.5 lbs on digital scale. Nice wood, nothing spectacular. I've been watching prices on GB and GI and found similar sets for $6.2k-$9k and this gun was bought for less than the least price set. While I've hunted grouse with a variety of guns and gauges I can now say I have a true Grouse Gun. Mission accomplished.

Congrats!

Make sure to take some photos this fall