To Briley, or Not To Briley

[Billy Gross]

My question is: Do I want to put Briley Thin Wall Chokes in my Repro?

Background: I am new to the PGCA and excited about Parkers. I recently purchased a 28 Ga Repro 2 Barrel Set, PG, BTFE, SST - 26" IC/M & 28" M/F. This gun having been shot moderately before I bought it, is a shooter and not a collectors piece. I am mostly a O/U Skeet and Trap shooters. I am very happy with this gun, and shoot it well. I am used to longer barrels and am mostly interested in shooting the 28" barrel.

I am looking for guidance:

1. Is it a breach of any unwritten PGCA rules to put Brileys in a Repro? If I showed up with it at a SxS Shoot, would I be considered a barbarian or something worse.

2. Should I see if I can find another 28 Ga Barrel, so I can leave this set in tact.

3. Should I just modify the 28 Ga Barrel I have?

4. Should I sell off or trade my 26" Barrel for a 28", being I don't plan on shooting the 26" much (note: I saw someone looking for a 26" some time ago).

5. Will I kill the resale value by doing this?

Thanx,
Billy

[Mike Shepherd]

Second hand story - a friend of my shooting student Joe Wood had Briley put thinwalls in his Repro 20. After shooting a bird with it he noticed about an inch of his right barrel was missing.

[John Campbell]

If destroying the gun's value is of no consequence, go for tubes.

If have Briley do it, re-read Mike's post...

[Ed Blake]

Learn to shoot the shorter barrels.

[Greg Baehman]

Learn to shoot the shorter barrels.

BINGO!

We've discussed altering Repros not too long ago.
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10983

[Mills Morrison]

What everyone above said

[Eric Eis]

You can also shoot speader loads like Polywad if you want to open up the patterns in the 28" tubes

[Harold Lee Pickens]

My friend had Briley put choke tubes in his Fox A 12, what a nightmare--the barrels are now 24". I would have them opened up to IC/M before I put chke tubes in.

[Bruce Day]

Parker Small Bore Shot Gun Tables :

Average 20ga spread at 25 yards:
Cyl 29"
Mod 22"
Full 20"


Some people may believe that that a difference in radius of 4 1/2" between cyl and full at 25 yards will enable them to consistently hit the target. Others know that misses are by feet and chokes only give them inches.

[John Campbell]

...misses are by feet and chokes only give them inches.

Wisdom to remember always. Especially if you shoot the old classics.

[paul stafford jr]

I'm not a fan of thin wall tubes but I guess they have there place. a gunsmith I no up here in Michigan collects lefevers and has installed them in several of his guns. seems crazy to me. I have no problem with opening a over choked barrel a little but I also use spreader wads. my favorite is sold by ballistic products part #072dx12 this is a 12ga wad but they may have 20ga also. this type of wad make a gun that seems un- useable a lot more fun to shoot.

[Bobby Cash]

Parker barrels are Holy Relics don't you know, given to Man by the Almighty hmself.
The chokes were never touched by a mortal hand during the manufacturing process.
Often referred to as "Immaculate Constrictions", it would be blasphemy to even consider altering them. :bowdown:

[Billy Gross]

Thanx guys for all the comments - you convinced me not to screw with the barrels. I will enjoy the gun just the way it is. Billy

[Leighton Stallones]

No,NoNo!No!
I have one or two classics that been debauched by Briley and hate it