Opinions - True/Best Definition of Parker Skeet Gun?

[Dean Weber]

I am interested in opinions for what I have studied here on the forum, within TPS, and my own observations.

I have read many opinions here on the forum on what makes a true Parker skeet gun. Typically what I see as a general prevailing opinion is as follows:

- 26" barrel
- Ejectors (SAEs)
- SSTs
- BTFE with reinforcing rod and one piece loop
- Straight stock with checkered butt or DHE and higher with SSBP
- Barrel flats stamped as Skeet out and Skeet in (L/R) or reverse choked

The Parker story and the table page 411 represents skeet guns from 1929-1942 with the following characteristics:

- Guns produced after 1925 (none with all characteristics until 1929)
- Gauges 12 and smaller
- SAEs
- SSTs
- BTFEs
- Barrel lengths 28" or shorter

Therefore, based upon the table in the TPS and what we know is likely found in research letters or even original hang tags, stock configuration and skeet choke marks/stamps were not taken into account in the compilation of the table on page 411. This is understandable due to what may be available in the records.

Further, figure 9.26/page 411 suggests choke markings/stamps began to appear in 1937. Additionally, we know from knowledgeable members who have posted on this subject that early skeet guns were choked a bit tighter than what we might see on very late Remington guns due to the evolution of the game of skeet.

Based upon my contrast above, what does the community say about the following fictional example...is this a skeet gun (I assume it would have been captured in the TPS chart)?

- 1937
- Straight grip DHE with SSBP
- SAEs
- SST
- BTFE
- 28" or 24" barrels
- Chokes not marked but reverse choked with say M/M

My point in bringing this up is we frequently debate proper choke markings on barrel flats for a skeet gun. Yet we know the table does not take that into account and we also know skeet out/skeet in was an adaptation of the maturation of skeet as a game. Is a skeet configured gun without "standard choke markings on the barrel flats not a skeet gun? what if it is choked Modified or tighter? Or is it simply proper to suggest guns 1937 and beyond we expect the markings and prior we do not?

Appreciate your opinions.

[6pt-Sika]

I recently acquired one that near as I can tell and from what some far more astute in this matter than myself proclaim it to be “the real deal” . And has the following,
- 26" barrel
- Ejectors (SAEs)
- SSTs
- BTFE with reinforcing rod and one piece loop
- Straight stock with checkered butt
- Barrel flats stamped as Skeet out and Skeet in (L/R) or reverse choked

[Dean Romig]

Dean, The subject of "What Defines a True Skeet Gun" is a deep and very convoluted definition.
In my opinion, in regard to Parker shotguns, and there are those who will disagree with me, a Parker Skeet gun should have the following features:

1. Barrel length 28" or less.
2. Beavertail forend.
3. Non Automatic safety.
4. Chokes of IC/MOD or less but more open is preferred. (Skeet In/Skeet Out stamps not required)
5. Twin beads.
6. Should have originally been bought primarily to shoot Skeet but hunting upland game as well is not a disqualifier.

I've seen guns with the proper Skeet In/Skeet Out chokes that had a dogs head butt plate and I've seen them without those stamps but with all other accepted Skeet attributes.

I wrote an article in Parker Pages Volume 24, Issue 3 titled "The Elliot's Twenty-Bore Parker Bros. Skeet Gun" highlighting a DHE with all the attributes of a Skeet gun but without the Skeet In/Skeet Out choke stamps, though it has, according to my measurements, upland chokes. The Elliott men used it extensively for Skeet shooting and took first and second places in two different classes at the local sportsmans club they belonged to, but they hunted with this gun in season as well.

The Elliott Skeet Gun.

[Dean Romig]

My own VHE 28 gauge is a good example of a documented Skeet gun in both the Parker factory records as well as the Abercrombie & Fitch documented records of it. ( 236912 )
Mine has no choke stamps on the barrel flats but the right barrel has the tighter choke of .015" constriction and the left has a constriction of .008" but it has all of the other Skeet gun attributes.


.

[Reggie B]

Here is mine -

20 VHE
Flats marked skeet choked
Single trigger
Checkered butt
Straight stock
Beaver tail

It’s a sweet one! Pictured with a 16 gauge skeet.

[Dean Romig]

Does anyone have an example of a PHE Skeet gun? Did Parker ever make a Grade-1 Skeet gun?

We know they made a handful of Trojan Skeet guns and all other grades up th AAHE but I’ve never heard of a PHE Skeet gun.





.

[6pt-Sika]

Couldn't figure out how to add pictures to my post above . So here's my recent addition . Nice enough gun if you can get over the fact it's been totally redone . And as I've said before I'm not fond of any word beginning with "re" .

[Dean Romig]

Certainly a nice enough example Craig! Very pretty!





.

[Brush Buster]

Here is mine Dean ,and Good Luck in your search it took me years to find this one ! It was in the same family since 1940 and handed down until just recently and the last Family member decided it was time to sell ! Right Place at the Right Time !

[Dean Romig]

Nice one Russ!! A lucky find!

Odd that your 28 gauge Skeet and mine were both manufactured in 1935 but only yours has the SKEET stamps.

Is your CHE 20 with beavertail, straight grip, 26" barrels stamped with Skeet In and Skeet Out on the barrel flats?





.