VH 20 w/ 26" barrels

Harold Pickens · 07-09-2012, 10:34 AM

Got my Parker letter on my VH 20 #177061 this weekend. I guess in the old doubles world we are presumed guilty until proven innocent. I was recently told that the barrels most definately had been cut because there are not many 26" guns and the chokes measure out to be cyl/mod ( this was not on the forum here but someone who claimed knowledge and had the gun in hand.) Well, (drum roll please)- the letter says-26" cyl/mod. Yes this gun had been restored before I bought it in the "80's--reblued,recased,and refinished. Unfortunately, not a lot of other info was available on the gun(such as weight or other specs). I will try to post pics and scan the letter.
How about a new thread--who has 26" original or shorter, and what are they choked: here are mine:
DHE 16 O frame 26" cyl/mod
VH20 O frame 26" Cyl/mod (factory letters on both)

OH Osthaus · 07-09-2012, 10:46 AM

Nice little upland gun

The "expert" said cut because there were not many made?

Even if that were true, why would that preclude yours? Here is a good example of why the letters are a good idea.

As is often said here never says never about Parkers.

B. Dudley · 07-09-2012, 10:55 AM

I don't think that 26" is an uncommon length for a 20g. gun.

George M. Purtill Member #28 · 07-09-2012, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

I don't think that 26" is an uncommon length for a 20g. gun.

All 3 of my 20 gauge guns are 26 inches original
DHE
VH
Trojan

OH Osthaus · 07-09-2012, 11:28 AM

It was my impression that shorter barrel were all the rage for upland hunters during many of the pre WWII years and were offered by all the American (and a couple British) makers, a standard option if thats not an oxymoron.

AH Fox even designated 26 inch barrels as a standard in a Sterlingworth model called the "brush gun"

Harold Pickens · 07-09-2012, 11:59 AM

The "expert" pointed out the finishing at the end of the rib at the muzzles, there is not as clear a line and space as on my other 2 Parkers. Hey, how about a picture of your OH Ostahaus setter -the new home for Old Hemlock setters is not far from me.

Pa SxS · 07-09-2012, 12:03 PM

Harold, I just checked the order book again just to make sure I didn't miss anything. There is no info in the order book as to weight and stock configuration. The stock book that would have that info for that S/N is missing.

B. Dudley · 07-09-2012, 12:43 PM

26" was also a common length with Skeet guns. The Lefever A grade Skeet was 26" and the Fox Sterlingworth Skeet/Upland Gun was 26" as well.

Dean Romig · 07-09-2012, 12:45 PM

26" barrels are quite common on Parkers from .410 up to 12 ga. but scarce on 10 ga. and unheard of on 8 ga. guns

Harold Pickens · 07-09-2012, 01:04 PM

I also have a little Lefever DSE 20 with 26' barrels. They dont appear to be cut but I guess records dont exist to document Lefevers. I do have a Fox SW (Utica)with barrels cut to 261/2" that is quickly becoming a favorite.