What to look for in a rebuild project?

[paul adams]

I would like to try my hand at rebuilding a Parker. I'm thinking of either a 16 or 20 Ga..

I've done a fair amount of stock work, checkering, refinishing and mechanical so I feel somewhat comfortable.

Are there pros and cons on specic items that I should shy away from (too involved, too expensive, etc.). Also, is this a cost prohibitive undertaking--excluding my labor?

Thanks in advance for your replies and sharing your knowledge!

[chris dawe]

Paul my major concern with any project is the barrels ,you have nothing without them.

[Dean Romig]

Paul my major concern with any project is the barrels ,you have nothing without them.


Nothing without good barrels.

[Rick Losey]

exactly

most everything else can be fixed - with enough time and enough money

[Brian Dudley]

Good barrels with good bores. Minimal exterior flaws. Minimal frame pitting is a plus too.
A tight breech will make your amount of work a lot less.

[paul stafford jr]

no broken stocks , I won't by a gun with broken or repaired stock except for parts, I can deal with most other problems a broken stock no matter how well its repaired is still a broken stock,

[Mike Franzen]

Thomas has a 10 ga project gun listed in the for sale section pretty cheap. Maybe try your hand at something like that before getting into the higher dollar guns.

[Dean Romig]

I respectfully disagree Paul. A professionally and properly repaired broken stock will never break in that spot again because the glue, when cured, is stronger than the wood.