Parker Chokes

[Lindsay Blanton]

Question for you experts: how do I determine the choke on my Parker? I have a picture of the original tag attached. Can you tell from that?

[Randy G Roberts]

Lindsay the chokes are marked Cyl for the right and Mod for the left barrel on the tag. Are you wanting to know something more specific that that such as bore constriction or what please ?

[Lindsay Blanton]

Randy, I inherited this Parker from my aunt and her husband. I am trying to get smarter on everything Parker. I was reading Parker Frequently Asked Questions trying to learn about Chokes on Parkers and was just a little confused with the tag - you cleared it up for me. This Parker was used exclusively for quail hunting by my aunt's husband. It was ordered by my aunt as a gift to her husband. I have all the original paperwork and tag but nothing about chokes except the tag. Sounds like the choke was special ordered just for birds - do you agree? Thanks for your repsonse.

[Randy G Roberts]

I would tend to think that combination was requested by someone with something specific in mind, most likely it was bird hunting. You had mentioned getting smarter in all things Parker, buy "The Parker Story" if you have not already. I believe there is a set listed for sale on the site now. Best of luck with your gun, shoot it and enjoy it !

[Lindsay Blanton]

Thank you Randy!

[Dean Romig]

Cyl/Mod or Cyl/Full chokes on a Parker ordered for upland bird hunting (quail, grouse, woodcock, pheasants over dogs, and birds of open country over dogs) were very popular and quite common.





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[Randy G Roberts]

I see that you purchased TPS from Brian. That will keep you occupied for some time. It's a great source of information you will enjoy. Also you appear to be a NC resident so I would suggest that you consider attending the Southern this spring. Lots of Parkers there for your viewing and studying pleasure.

[Lindsay Blanton]

Thanks Randy. I intend to be there. I have a knee replacement coming up near that time but hopefully I will be ready to go by then!

[Reggie Bishop]

I have a 20 gauge Parker that letters with cyl/mod chokes. It is a great combination for upland hunting.

[Garry L Gordon]

Wow, that hang tag is in great shape! That gun's configuration has a lot of desirable features for bird hunting beyond the chokes -- it's pretty light for a Parker 12, and the drop at heel suggests it was made for rising birds. A great combination of specifications. The gun likely balances well as that is generally an intrinsic element of an untampered with Parker. Even with 26" barrels, I'll bet you can keep the swing on that gun. I just hope you have birds to shoot at!

Sure would be great to see the gun. If it's as good as the hang tag...

[Lindsay Blanton]

Thanks for the observations. Since it’s a family heirloom and was well used, I turned it over to Doug Turnbull a year ago to clean it up like new. I am sure some will say I was crazy, but wow does it look fantastic. I will post a picture when I can. It has a great history that I want to detail in a Parker Pages article. It’s a half frame too.

[William Davis]

If you want to see over 100 Parker’s before the Spring Southern drive over to Wagram NC Phillip Futrel at Mid South Guns nice guy and very knowledgeable. Not far from Fayetteville

I have a VHE in the same configuration 26 inch barrels chokes and all wonderful hunting gun


William

[Lindsay Blanton]

Gary Gordon - I now have health issues that preclude my being able to hunt. My problems started in 2018. I decided to send this VHE to Doug Turnbull for restoration and to keep it as an heirloom. However my two sons don't seem to be interested in the gun. The restoration was not necessarily needed but I love polished and perfect looking guns! Anyway if you or anyone else would be interested in buying this gun from me, please let me know. I can send pictures of the gun, perfect looking tag, and letter from Parker Bros to my uncle detailing his desires on his ordered gun - letter dated 1939. Also I have the detail of all the work Doug Turnbull did for me. This guns serial number is 240283. Thanks

[mikeschneider]

Sorry to hear about your health issues! Good luck with the sale, and, for your health!

[Lindsay Blanton]

Thanks Mike!

[William Woods]

I am sorry to hear about your health problems Mr. Blanton. I hope all goes well with you.

[Chuck Bishop]

Hello Lindsay,

I keep track of 1/2 frame 12ga. guns since they are so rare. Your gun is 1 of 86 1/2 frame guns recorded so far. I was going to add it to the list but it was already on it. Have you corresponded with a PGCA member previously about the gun being a 1/2 frame?

P.S. if you look in my album you'll see my VH 1/2 2 barrel set along with the hang tag and 1937 price list.

[Bill Murphy]

Shot my half frame VHE single trigger 28" gun today for the first time. What a nice gun, a true lightweight. It belonged to Forrest Marshall, our co founder. I have no idea why he would have sold it, except that he owned a wall of A-1 Specials. Some of PGCA old timers remember those great guns.

[Lindsay Blanton]

Yes sir, I previously corresponded with a member several years ago. He asked me if I would consider selling it. He did not agree to my price. After that I sent the gun to Doug Turnbull to have it restored. It looks perfect now! However I am going to sell it, as I have a medical condition that will keep me from shooting/hunting again. Also I have no one in the family who hunts or shoots.

[Rick Roemer]

Sorry to hear about your health problems. Sounds like you have a nice Parker and one that is desirable. When you’re ready to sell it, please list it in our guns for sale/classified section so that all members have the opportunity. My hope is that better health is regained.