question on serial number

[Kirk Pfeffer]

I have my grandfathers Parker, serial number 144536 which I believe is a 1907 VH 12 ga. It has a crack at the wrist and I've been looking at a stock that looks like mine. The serial number on it is 225783 and I'm wondering if it will fit my gun.

Thanks
Kirk

[Bill Murphy]

Fix it. Contact Brian Dudley on this site.

[Kirk Pfeffer]

Bill, thanks for the contact. I've been investigating that option so it's good to have the name of a member that does repairs. Question, if I were able to pick this stock up cheap is it that big of a job to install it? My guess is that it would have to be bedded to the receiver? I understand that "big" is a relative term and depends on ones abilities. I bet if I search the forum someone has done a write up on it.
Kirk

[Chuck Bishop]

You will be much better off having the crack repaired. Finding another stock that can be fitted is similar to finding a needle in a haystack.

[Brian Dudley]

Fitting a stock from another gun is a total crap shoot. It has less to do with ability and more to do with chance really. There was enough variation is manufacturing the frames and also in drops of the stocks that there is no guarantee until you actually have the stock in hand and can check it against your frame.

You could literally buy 12 stocks before one would fit. Or you could get the first one to.

Obviously the possibility of your original stock being properly repaired depends on how bad the damage is and the condition of the stock overall.

[Mills Morrison]

If you post some photos, we'll be able to help you more. The others are right that you are better off fixing the old one if possible.

[Kirk Pfeffer]

Thanks to everyone for the input. Think I'll take the majority (I mean unanimous) decision and eventually have it repaired. So, here are some pictures. Brian, I see you replied in this post so let me know the next step. If you need some additional/better pictures let me know
Kirk

[Bob Jurewicz]

Brian, If you do this one I would love to see the Picture Trail of repair progress!!
Bob Jurewicz

[Brian Dudley]

Please be aware that the stock you are looking at on Ebay is for a single trigger gun. A good amount of modification would have to be done to make a safety work on a double trigger gun.

After seeing photos of your stock, though i am sure it could be repaired in some capacity, i think replacement (with used or new wood) would be the best route.

[Kirk Pfeffer]

Brian, I really appreciate the response. Who said anything about Ebay? :whistle: Curious, was it the serial number that provided the info about trigger style?

Been on your website and you really do fantastic work so it's obvious you know what you are talking about. Have to say I was disappointed to hear your thoughts on my stock. I guess I see a few options:
- just make it a wall hanger which wasn't what I really wanted.
- repair in some capacity which might mean get it to where it's serviceable? This assumes that it isn't serviceable in its current condition
- Have it restocked as you suggested. I expect this option would be way more then this gun is worth so it would be putting a price on sentimentality. Problem is I'm pretty sure that I wouldn't sink that much in the gun at this time. Not unless I won the lottery.

Have to think about this for a bit. Out of curiosity, what is it about my stock that looked so bad? Just trying to learn so don't hold back. I've seen magic worked on everything from a crack to in pieces.

Before I go too far with this I should clear up something else first. When I take the forend off and shake the gun there's play in it. Probably check into this first to see if it's a deal killer.

Kirk

[Brian Dudley]

Action sounds like its a little loose. Can be corrected.

Your stock has multiple breaks in it close to the action and looks to be badly oil soaked. Both make it difficult to get a good repair. From both a functional and a cosmetic standpoint. Again, not that it cannot be done, it just is not the best option considering the condition of it.

Regarding ebay, i saw a stock on there and it has the serial number on it that you mentioned above.

If you wish to ask me specifically any additional questions about your gun, i suggest you contact me directly instead of carrying on here in the public forum.

[nick balzano]

Merry x-mas to all the great people in this organization. Everyone is so helpful and courteous. I,m so glad I registered.

[George M. Purtill]

I would fix the stock you have.

[Kirk Pfeffer]

Brian, I appreciate the additional information. After my post I took another look at the stock and the pictures I saw some of what you are talking about. Wondering if those might be the issue. I'll email you through your website with some additional questions.

George, thanks for your reply. Not sure what I'll do at this point. First issue to tackle is whether the barrels can be tightened up and if so, for how much. Depending on the outcome of that, I'll take another look at the stock issue.

Kirk

[Bruce Day]

[QUOTE=Brian Dudley;184213]....
Your stock has multiple breaks in it close to the action ..../QUOTE]

Those form of cracks are indicative of multiple heavy loads rather than a slip and fall.

[Kirk Pfeffer]

Bruce, thanks for your reply. What you say really makes sense. Not sure how much use it saw for pheasant and duck hunting prior to my birth but I do remember using it for pheasant hunting about 40 years ago. Most likely with high brass 4/6 shot even with tape on the wrist. Obviously not much thought was given to whether these shells were too hot for a 70 year old gun.
Kirk