Recoil pad advice

[Loren Tillett]

I've added a couple of Parkers to my little collection of late, and was shooting this past week when I came across a very knowledgeable collector who suggested that I change out the recoil pad on my 20 gauge, as it is not appropriate. It's a 1929 vintage Parker, V grade. Nice all the way around. What's the proper pad for that vintage? And what's a good source? And while I'm at it, can anyone assist with details on the sight beads? This 20 doesn't have them (broken off?) and I would like to get the proper ones installed. This collector also told me that the 20 did not come with a mid-barrel one originally, but there's a hole that I wouldn't mind filling. So I have two beads that need replacing. I assume that a good gunsmith is my best bet. Anyone know one near Richmond, VA? Thanks for all your help.

[Bill Murphy]

The proper and well fitting pad is the Galazan supplied No-Shok pad. Other pads available and proper are too big for a 20 gauge gun. As for beads, you are on your own because of the prohibition on the sale of ivory. However, often our members offer pairs of vintage Lyman beads from their collections. Such offers have been seen as recently as last week.

[B. Dudley]

A smaller sized heart vent hawkins would also be plenty appropriate for the gun. But you would have to find a new old stock one.

[Researcher]

The Jostam recoil pads were the dominant pads in the U.S. in 1929, the Anti-Flinch --

Jostam Anti-Flinch, American Rifleman January 1929.jpg

Hy-Gun --

Jostam Hy-Gun, American Rifleman September 1929.jpg

Air Cushion --

Jostam Air Cushion.jpg
I've long suspected these were used in many instances where Silvers was in the gun makers advertising. Decades ago at a gun show in Richmond, VA, I examined an FE-Grade Ansley H. Fox and I could see the Jostam logo through the leather facing.

Also, the Goodrich was similar to the Silvers --

Goodrich Recoil Pad.jpg

[Loren Tillett]

Thanks gents. Yes, I saw the Lyman beads. But don’t know if they are the correct size. And they seemed to have sold. I will begin my searches. If anyone sees or has these items for sale, I’m the buyer!! Please alert me. I’m headed to auction in St Michaels, MD next weekend. Perhaps I will come across someone there who can assist.

[Bill Murphy]

Brian is right. So far, no repro Hawkins heart pads, just expensive originals.

[Researcher]

This collector also told me that the 20 did not come with a mid-barrel one originally, but there's a hole that I wouldn't mind filling.

The only way to know if your gun started life with twin ivory sights would be to get a research letter on it from the PGCA.

[Loren Tillett]

Thanks. Yes research letter coming. But I’ve not seen one with that level of detail. My 12 ga grade 2 Damascus letter simply had date of order and destination, which was a hardware store. Maybe I will get lucky with more info on the 20. But it’s a V grade. So nothing special. Except it can break clays and drop quail and pheasant handily!��

[Loren Tillett]

Researcher: Thank you. You're probably Chuck, who prepares the letters. Alas, I will not know on the 20 gauge. According to the serial number query there are no records for this 20. I pulled the trigger too soon on the last reply. I ordered and received a letter for the 16 gauge I recently bought, not the 20. Thanks, again.

[John Davis]

I don't like bead sights and shoot better without them, so I remove them from any gun I shoot competitively or a lot.