parker barrels

[edgarspencer]

Barrel length preference has come full circle in the past 50 years.
Geography played a big part in what barrel was more desirable, But it's important to remember that 50 years ago, The Parker shotgun, while always considered the upper tier by shooters, was not yet considered a collectable.
In those parts of the country where the predominant hunting was 'upland', shorter barrels were preferred over longer, often cumbersome lengths in the woods.
While there are still plenty of owners who will always take their Parkers afield, a large number of the guns are in the hands of collectors. Collectors look at the numbers, rarity being a major driving force. Long barreled small bore guns are much less common, and as a consequence, sought out by those looking to collect, rather than shoot.
Shooting our Parkers at clays has become much more popular than in the past, with the exception of the single barreled trap guns and purpose built guns for the famous shooters of the day.
I find a 28" barreled 20 swings in a more fluid manner, and can't say I've ever caught myself in the woods wishing I'd brought a shorter gun. Having said that, i have a couple 24" guns, one cut, the other original, that, when I was younger, were killers on grouse.
Lately, I just enjoy walking in the woods with a Parker, that bird part is almost a secondary thing.

[John Bastiani]

Thanks gentlemen for your insight. I figured the longer barrels will bring a premium but I personally think a 26" barrel looks better on a small bore gun. Even a 28"barrel looks out of kilder to me on a 410 or a 28 gauge. I know when I got my Winchester model 21 skeet(20 gauge) that I wanted a 26" barrel but I ended up with a 28". My LC Smith (410) is a 26" barrel and I love that gun with the small frame. My browning Diana grade 20 gauge is a 26 1/2 inch barrel as well. I did get a 28" barrel when I bought a Beretta(20ga) to hunt with although my Perazzi MX20 has a 26" barrel.