Choke modification

Alan Gay · 12-27-2010, 01:35 PM

My father used this Christmas to give my 16 year old son a nice VH, serial 135449, that belonged to his uncle. It is in very good condition, barrels reblued at some point, not the original stock, 10% color, bores bright and clean. The issue is that the 28" tubes are choked IM/Full, which isn't useful for any type of game that we typically have the opportunity to hunt (we shoot ducks, but not with Parkers).

Is it possible to have the chokes opened up to something more like IC/Mod? Does anyone have a recommendation of who to use? I'm only willing to do it if it can be done right. This gun really isn't collector material, but I want to retain it's authenticity to the extent possible.

Bruce Day · 12-27-2010, 02:21 PM

I shot ducks with a 16ga Parker for many years.

I shoot pheasant with a F & F gun, just hit them in the head and neck.

Yes, chokes can be opened.

Who? Depends where you are. Its important to find somebody who doesn't drill chokes off center.

Alan Gay · 12-27-2010, 02:24 PM

I'm in Atlanta, but could ship gun or barrels if need be. Desired use is quail/dove and casual sporting clays.

Bill Faulk · 12-27-2010, 03:08 PM

Alan,
Brileys in Houston Texas has been doing chokes and choke tubes for years.I have had several chokes opened up on these old shooters.
Call them and discuss what you want..turn around is usually a week ..You will be happy with their work.It would help if you know the wall thickness of the barrels...Bill Faulk
Brileys 1-800-331-5718

Alan Gay · 12-27-2010, 03:12 PM

I'm familiar with them.... lived in Houston for a couple of years in the late 80's. Do you think tubes are a legitimate option? I've had an early Citori tubed, but hadn't really thought of doing it with a Parker... but maybe worth considering.

Bill Faulk · 12-27-2010, 03:32 PM

Alan,
Sorry for the misunderstanding..I do not suggest choke tubes in the Parker but having Briley rheam out your chokes to more open constrictions that suit your type of shooting and hunting
A choke rheamed out to 0.15 would be a lighe mod...0.20 would be a mod ..imp.cy.would be a 0.10 etc.
They use the old method of opening the chokes up.
Bill

StubTwist · 12-27-2010, 04:17 PM

Michael Orlen from Amherst, MA is very good. I've used him in the past for my LC and the turnaround is very quick.

79 Salem Street • Amherst, MA 01002 • (413) 256-1630 • fax (413) 253-5665
michael.orlen@verizon.net

Bill Faulk · 12-27-2010, 05:00 PM

Alan,
Another way to approach shooting with tight chokes is to use the SPREADER loads made by R.S.T. or POLY-WAD for anyshots less than 25 yards,.They come in 2.5 " length,1oz or 7/8 oz..size 8,7.5,6.This my choice for close shots and you do not have to change the gun.
Bill

Austin W Hogan · 12-27-2010, 05:05 PM

Alan; my experience with similar Parkers is that the first (right) barrel shoots patterns that open quickly; more like IC than mod. Try the gun at a few hand thrown birds or a round of skeet before you change it.

Best, Austin

Dean Romig · 12-27-2010, 06:17 PM

Shoot it at a pattern board set at distances that you customarily expect to shoot your selected gamebirds at. If it patterns too tightly I too, would suggest using spreader loads and it has been the experience of a few members here, myself included, that even out to thirty or thirty-five yards they will produce killing patterns with #8 shot.