Repro for ducks and steel shot

[Eric Grims]

Starting to enhance my gun buying mad money pot as I want a repro 12 gauge to shoot steel for waterfowl next season. Lots of time to look until summer. Lots of 26 inch guns out there but would like the 28" IC/Mod. A two barrel set may be an option if I can find the right choke configuration. I am not into opening the chokes on such a nice gun.
I was wondering if folks thought this gun was a legit factory made interchangeable choke gun. I was not aware they made them other than the SC models.

http://www.gunsinternational.com/Parker-Reproduction-12-gauge-with-screw-in-chokes.cfm?gun_id=100393180

Thanks

[John Dallas]

Is that a crack on the right side of the head of the stock?

[Eric Grims]

I was wondering this myself. Sure looks like it.

[Greg Baehman]

I believe that is a Sporting Clays Classic Model. You could verify that simply by asking the seller if it's stamped 'ISC' on the barrel flats and if the muzzles are slightly flared (to accommodate the screw-in chokes of the time period in which they were produced). If it indeed is a SCC it will also be roll stamped on the left barrel as having 2 3/4" chambers, but the chambers will likely measure 3".

I agree with Big D that it does look like a crack on the right cheek.

[Marty Kohler]

Since it has been brought up, What are every ones thoughts on shooting non toxic thru repro screw in chokes (12 gauge sporting clays model) for instance........ could not find much searching...Thanks, Marty

[Greg Baehman]

According to this article written by Gene Hill on the Sporting Clays Classic, this model was designed for the use of steel shot providing you don't use tighter than a Modified choke tube. With the quality of today's steel shot loads that are available is there any reason to shoot the $3-a-pop non-toxic loads in a Repro designed for steel?

Ater reading the 1st page you'll need to click on "Previous Page" to read the 2nd page, as they are out of order.
http://parkerguns.org/forums/album.php?albumid=99&pictureid=978

[Steve Kleist]

Eric,
I'm sure there are other Parker members who will reply also.
As I'm sure you know, a 2 3/4" load is plenty for ducks and the SC models will fit your needs. I have a 3" Repro with Briley aftermarket thin walled screw in chokes. I went with this choice as a stock/forend and double trigger configuration. It is convenient to have 3" chambers but not necessary in my opinion. My gun gets plenty of use and a delight to have in the blind.
Good luck on your quest.
Best Fishes,
Steve Kleist Ely, MN

[Destry L. Hoffard]

I'm with Steve on this one, I rarely shoot ducks with anything but 2 3/4 anymore and have good success. I used to think I had to shoot 3 inch at them but once I started shooting guns that actually fit me and threw good patterns I figured out I didn't need it. I do sometimes shoot heavier 1 3/8 or 1 1/2 ounce loads when on a pass shooting venture and the ducks are 50 yards plus.

That being said, I've got a Super Fox that's back from the stocker and needs some action. I've got a couple cases of the 1 5/8 Kent TM loads for it, those should be a dandy long range choice.

[Eric Grims]

I am under the impression that all repro barrels fixed or screw in are steel shot compatible.
Is that correct?

[Eric Grims]

Add:
Excluding any full choked barrels.

[Joe Bernfeld]

Correct.

[Bob Jurewicz]

I'm wondering about the steel shot compatability of the Krieghoff 16 G barrels??
Bob Jurewicz

[William Stevenson]

Bob, I've been shooting steel shot thru my 16 ga Krieghoff for the last 3 duck seasons. At least a case of steel per year go thru the gun. It's choked mod/IC and is a delight to shoot. I use # 4 shot over decoys. Bill

[William Stevenson]

Steve mentioned Briley thin wall chokes. I have a Steel shot special fitted with Briley TW chokes. I've shot a lot of ducks with this 28" gun using 1 1/8 oz loads of #4 steel shot. I've had a shoulder reconstruction and recoil is a problem that needs to be managed. 1 1/4 12 ga loads hurt but the 1 1/8 loads are manageable. My favorite is my 16 ga repro with just under an ounce of steel #4's. I shoot at moderate ranges over decoys. Bill

[Steve Kleist]

Hi Bill,
I reload a little for ducks. My favorite load is 1 oz of #3 steel at a modest 1400 fps. My chokes are Lt Mod/Mod. Most of the ducks are large and #3 produces less lost birds.
Steve

[John Dallas]

I've got Briley Thin Walls in a M31 Remington which was my Dad's duck gun. I put the chokes in it so I could shoot it with steel. I shoot the cheap high Velocity Winchesters at about 1550 fps. No damage to the gun, but huge damage to the mallards

[William Stevenson]

Where you place your shot is the most important factor in getting a limit. All 3 1/2" mags do is cause pain if you don't wait till the birds come in range and place your shots. A lot of younger hunters think bigger is always better. There are some situations that call for the big guns such as pass shooting but over decoys a one oz load of 3's or 4's is plenty.
My grandsons won't hunt with me when I shoot a .410 or 28, they say I make them wait till the ducks are "Too close". That's part of the fun, not just blasting away and see what falls. Bill

[Ray Alvey]

I've often thought the rarest DHE barrel configuration (not counting, or maybe counting, the "Steel Shot" & "Sporting Clays" models) is a DHE 12ga w/ 28" barrels, 3" chamber, choked M & IC. Observational theory only

[kirbylawson]

When you come across two 3" chambered 28" guns please keep us in mind for the cast off!
I'd be happy with a 28" set of barrels (m/f) with 2-3/4" chambers or entire gun if 2-trigger.
Merry Christmas to all in Parker land.
-KL

[Eric Grims]

So does anyone have an idea of how many 12ga with 28" IC/mod were made in all models?

[Eric Grims]

Just sold a Colt 1911 black Army reproduction, hit up the gun money pot, and bought 28" 12 ga. Repro IC/mod. Very nice wood but nothing exceptional. Very clean condition, nice case, little used and triggers cycle with no problems.fits me well. Almost too nice to bring to the duck boat but that is what it was purchased for.
This gun will digest a fair amount of steel (hevi metal) bisthmus and hevi shot next fall and see the SC course this summer. Too icey to go anywhere today so I sat in a rocker by the cook stove with my new gun for an extended Parker moment.