Bill I know you like to read, so here is a thread that discusses this topic--

https://parkerguns.org/forums/showth...=doll%27s+head

Tightening the hook to the roll pin could have caused the gaps at the doll’s head.





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The Identification & Serialization book does not list either the VR or the SST; only that is was ordered with a second set of barrels. Of course, the 'book' is not always accurate. As for the serial # under the rib, I found the number on the VR DHE I recently bought at the very rear of the rib, barely visible, after looking in the normal location.

Thank you all for the observations and evaluations. When I first handled this gun, it seemed entirely too tight for it's vintage, so I suspect it has been reworked at some point. I'm not too far from Ellijay GA, so I'm going to get Bill Schwarz to give this one and the 20ga VH I bought a once over.
If the entire gun has been worked over, it won't hurt my feelings as I purchased both guns at a local shop for less than I see some tired old 12ga Trojans selling for.


More pictures for further evaluation and re some of the above questions.

https://i.imgur.com/dS9n8bv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ASK8ZKw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/XiGibOi.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0dVxfOf.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/autRzRe.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aUYeXSP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rBWtJ5Y.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/W8t3u0y.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AhVuoT0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3epwQjl.jpg

Choke for Smoke Baby!!! :cool::cool::cool:


Nice gun, enjoy it.



Bobby

Thanks. I plan to give it a try in the next day or 2 on the local 5 stand. Selective trigger and ejectors check out on snap caps, but I'll single load with a snap cap in the other chamber until I determine that it doesn't have an issue with doubling. I normally shoot a pretty mild 7/8oz hand load for sporting clays which should work well. It seems to fit me pretty well.

Despite the omission of the vent rib in the serialization book, the gun was obviously made for a vent rib barrel. The flat top across the breech face proves this fact.





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Thanks. Dean.

Great detail. I did not notice that, but now I see the flat area you are referring to.

The fonts on the barrel serial number don't match the fonts on the receiver or forend, & tightening the action would not cause the gap in the dolls head. With the latter style fonts on the barrel it probably got a replacement barrel at some latter date.