New member and 1st Parker

[chazcole]

Hey guys just joined the board and bought my first Parker. Its a 1902 16ga VH i believe. The serial is 109156 any information on this gun would be appreciated. I am told it had 28" barrels but have been shortened to 26" and choked IC/IC which isn't really an issue for me as I plan to hunt grouse and woodcock with this gun. I am still anxiously waiting to pick it up from my FFL. Thanks! Chaz

[Mills Morrison]

Good job. Looks like a good solid Parker. Perfect for upland game

[Brian Dudley]

Just some observations on condition and originality based on the one photo you put up. Not to devalue it or anything, just just for the sake of education.

Case colors look redone. Top lever is blued (should be cased). And the checkering is incorrect. Stock could be an aftermarket replacement, but I cannot tell since I can't see much of it.

[John Campbell]

Chaz:
It looks like a fine First Parker to me! Give this gun a chance to be your inspiration! And the 16-bore is as good as you can get. I started with one many moons ago.

Again, congratulations on your new Parker. It's the perfect foundation upon which to join PGCA!

[chazcole]

Just some observations on condition and originality based on the one photo you put up. Not to devalue it or anything, just just for the sake of education.

Case colors look redone. Top lever is blued (should be cased). And the checkering is incorrect. Stock could be an aftermarket replacement, but I cannot tell since I can't see much of it.

Thanks for the info Brian. I still don't have the gun as soon as I do I'll post a better picture. I do believe the gun was redone at some point.

[Austin J Hawthorne Jr.]

Chaz, Don't be to concerned about 2 inches off the tubes. I recently passed along to my grandson a 16 gauge Sterlingworth with the same issue. Barrels were 28 inches but cut to 26 with IC/IC chokes remaining and he's hitting nearly everything that flies in front of it. One day I will find him a Parker that fits, and if it is IC/IC, all the better. Good luck with yours.

[Dave Suponski]

Chaz, Congrat's on your first Parker. Take her out to the field and enjoy her. It probably not be your last Parker....

[chazcole]

Finally got it today it's a great little gun. The stock seems to have a crack though which concerns me and the length of pull may be a little short. Over all pretty happy and it also has a 0 frame which I love!

[chazcole]

Another pic

[chazcole]

And another

[Dave Suponski]

Chaz, I would have that crack looked at before I shot that gun again.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Welcome Chaz , I too am in West Virginia(Wheeling). O frame Parker 16's are little jewels, and are great grouse guns. One of my favorite grouse guns is a GH 16 O frame, and someone cut 1 " off the barrels to make them 27"( story was that it slid off a car).Many of these old guns have been hunted hard and have some stock isuses . Brian can give you some good advice on the stock, or Jerry Andrews in Moundsville, Wv would be a good choice. Great to have you on board.

[chazcole]

Welcome Chaz , I too am in West Virginia(Wheeling). O frame Parker 16's are little jewels, and are great grouse guns. One of my favorite grouse guns is a GH 16 O frame, and someone cut 1 " off the barrels to make them 27"( story was that it slid off a car).Many of these old guns have been hunted hard and have some stock isuses . Brian can give you some good advice on the stock, or Jerry Andrews in Moundsville, Wv would be a good choice. Great to have you on board.

Thanks Harold! I'm in Bluefield very southern part of the state. Its a nice gun great weight (6lbs 1oz)! I have been talking with Brian and might have it restocked. The safety is also not working so need to get figured out as well. How's the grouse hunting up north been?

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Grouse hunting up here has declined to the point where it is just taking the dog for a run. From my house , it is 7 miles to Pa. and 7 miles west to Ohio. I do most of my hunting in Ohio as that is where I grew up, and there is much more ground to hunt there. I moved 4 birds the other day in an area where i used to move 20. Grouse hunting in the eastern mtns. and southern coal fields is much better, but is a 3-4 hr drive minimum from Wheeling. For those of you who are geographically challenged, Wheeling sits in the NW corner of the state and Chaz is 5 hrs away in the SE corner. Again, welcome onboard and hope to see and hear more about the new Parker.