Order your new Parker now!

[Garry L Gordon]

You've just been awarded $721.00 in 1927 dollars to apply to the order of a new Parker shotgun. It's time to place your order. Parker Brothers has sent you a catalog, price list and an order form (and some additional information on ordering a small bore Parker if you are so inclined). What would you order? If you could only have made to order one Parker Shotgun, what would it be. It's not a matter of what would cost the most, or be the most collectable down the road, this is a question of what one shotgun you would most like to have, and, I assume, use.

This is a not-so-well disguised poll, and I'd like to compile and report back the results (assuming enough of you will play along). To make things easier, please list the following details for your "order."

******************************

-Year of manufacture (I just had the 1927 catalog handy, but you can order your gun from WHATEVER YEAR you choose)

-Model (T-Latch to Hammerless ejector, whatever was made during the year you ordered from)

-Gauge (available in the year of your choosing)

-Frame size

-Chamber length (for shells available at the time...if you know this information)

-Barrrel material (Damascus, Whitworth, etc.)

-Length of barrel/s (you only get one set (or one barrel if a single barreled gun) -- no two barrel sets...I want to see what "comes to the top")

-Stock configuration (Straight/splinter, Capped Pistol/beavertail, etc.)

-Triggers (one or two)

-Gun weight (use your knowledge of what Parker did -- and could -- produce in the gauge and configuration you are ordering)

-Length of pull

-Drop (at the heel is enough, just so we can see if lower or higher shooting guns are preferred)

-Special order features (grade different barrel metal, special engraving if available in your desired model, recoil pad, etc...IF it was available in the year of your order)

-Purpose/use of your gun (Waterfowl, Upland birds, trap, etc. -- be as specific or general as you choose)

I hope you'll "order" your new gun soon! Thanks in advance.

[Gary Laudermilch]

Ok, I'll play.

A 1927 DH 20 ga on a 0 frame with 28" Titanic barrels choked .006 & .012 and 2-3/4 chambers. A round knob pistol grip stock with 2-3/8 DAH and 14-1/4 LOP with a wood upgrade to B quality but retain the D checkering. Double triggers. Beavertail forend. Weight at 6lb 10-12 oz. Primarily a grouse gun but I'll use it for almost anything that flies.

[Garry L Gordon]

Thanks, Gary. I appreciate your response. I'll get your order started!!:)

[CraigThompson]

$721 huh , well let’s start with a GH 10 gauge 2 frame 26” double triggers splinter open and open all six guns fluid steel . GHE 12 gauge 26” IC/M splinter double triggers , same in the 16 -20-28 and 410 for a grand total spent of $669.50 if my calculator in my head worked correctly . Oooops I didn’t read the entire post and I’d still rather have a six gun set of G grades . So then if it’s only one I want an A-1 Special 10 gauge 30” , 2 frame splinter forend , double triggers choked mod and full , skeleton buttplate stock dimensions 14 1/8” lop , 1 3/4” doc , 2 1/4” doh .

[Garry L Gordon]

$721 huh , well let’s start with a GH 10 gauge 2 frame 26” double triggers splinter open and open all six guns fluid steel . GHE 12 gauge 26” IC/M splinter double triggers , same in the 16 -20-28 and 410 for a grand total spent of $669.50 if my calculator in my head worked correctly .

Craig,

Thanks! I was looking for just one gun, but, hey, it's your money(!) I do think you should buy me a "1927 dinner" with your leftover money. :whistle:

I appreciate your response.

(PS I wonder how much a 2 frame 26" 10 gauge would weigh...that would be a very interesting gun...)

[charlie cleveland]

year-1933-model a-1-special-chamber length 3 inch-barrel material whitworth-length of barrel 32 inches- stock configuration 2 1/2 by 2 1/2- triggers 2- gun weight 7 lbs- length of pull 15 inches-purpose water fowl- standard engraving of ducks......charlie

[scott kittredge]

32 in. Barrels choked .035 in both ,1 frame ghe 20 ga. Str grip stock , dac 1 5/8 ths ,dah 2 5/8 ths , lop 13 7/8 ths over dhbp. Double triggers.
How long before i get it?
Scott

[Garry L Gordon]

year-1933-model a-1-special-chamber length 3 inch-barrel material whitworth-length of barrel 32 inches- stock configuration 2 1/2 by 2 1/2- triggers 2- gun weight 7 lbs- length of pull 15 inches-purpose water fowl- standard engraving of ducks......charlie

Charlie, Thanks. You obviously have thought about this before -- your specifications will make a very nice waterfowl gun.

[Garry L Gordon]

32 in. Barrels choked .035 in both ,1 frame ghe 20 ga. Str grip stock , dac 1 5/8 ths ,dah 2 5/8 ths , lop 13 7/8 ths over dhbp. Double triggers.
How long before i get it?
Scott

Scott, Thanks for your order! This is a pretty special gun, so it might take a couple of months. I'll specify "rush for hunting season" on the order.

[CraigThompson]

Craig,

Thanks! I was looking for just one gun, but, hey, it's your money(!) I do think you should buy me a "1927 dinner" with your leftover money. :whistle:

I appreciate your response.

(PS I wonder how much a 2 frame 26" 10 gauge would weigh...that would be a very interesting gun...)

I can tell you what a 10 gauge 2 frame 28” will weigh next time I remove it from the safe :cool: I just looked at the letter and it says 7 pounds 15 ounces .

[Reggie Bishop]

BHE 28 gauge w/32" barrels choked IM/F with high dimensions and a long LOP. Double triggers and splinter. 00 frame of course!

[Harry Collins]

GH 1 frame double triggers 30” 12 gauge barrels .030 & .042 plus 26” 16 gauge .005 & .027 straight stock LOP 14” DAC 1.5” DAH 2.5” weight 7.5 lbs. the remaining money on cartridges and whiskey.

[Garry L Gordon]

BHE 28 gauge w/32" barrels choked IM/F with high dimensions and a long LOP. Double triggers and splinter.

Gosh, your gun "order" is making me reconsider mine!

[Garry L Gordon]

GH 1 frame 30” 12 gauge barrels .030 & .042 plus 26” 16 gauge .005 & .027 straight stock LOP 14” DAC 1.5” DAH 2.5” weight 7.5 lbs. the remaining money on cartridges and whiskey.

Nice orders! I wonder just how much your remaining money would buy in 1927 cartridges. I don't want to know if you are buying bootlegged whiskey. :nono::)

[allen newell]

I will order what Gary is ordering except with 26 inch barrels

[Brett Hoop]

I have thought of this long and hard and now know I need more time to think just in case my dad and grandpas are planning to have this made up if and when.

[Garry L Gordon]

I will order what Gary is ordering except with 26 inch barrels

That will make my paperwork easier. Good to see another 26" barrel order.

[Garry L Gordon]

I have thought of this long and hard and now know I need more time to think just in case my dad and grandpas are planning to have this made up if and when.

Hmmm, the old time warp conundrum, eh? Don't wait too long, though; your 1927 dollars are good only for a limited time. :)

[Matt Buckley]

Let's Dream: CHE 28 Gauge, 00 Frame, Fluid Steel 30" Barrels Choked IC/M, 2 3/4" chambers, straight stock/splinter forearm 14 1/2" LOP X 1 3/4" X 2 3/4", Single Trigger, Skeleton Butt Plate, 5lbs 8oz weight, my initials MPB to be engraved in a gold oval on bottom of stock, to be used for early season Ringnecks on my SW MN Farm.

[Garry L Gordon]

Just for the record, here's my "order." Rest assured I get no discount for sending business Parker Bros.' way.

I'll take a 1904 year gun and adjust the funds back for retro-inflation. I like the engraving from this era better and this gun would have the wear compensating insert since I will shoot it a great deal. My gun will be an AH (no ejectors, I'm a very early reloader) 16 gauge, built on the 0 frame and weighing just at 6 lbs 4 oz. It will have 2 9/16 chambers, 30 inch barrels with a special order of Bernard Steel. Its stock will be a straight/splinter configuration and will have the skeleton butt plate. I'll specify setters onlyfor the engraving (they'd be Gordons, but no one could tell but me) and also include quail, grouse and woodcock. The chokes would be open, to shoot 55%/65% with #7 shot. The drop at the heel of the 15 " butt stock would be 2 1/4 inches for rising birds. I'd have my initials engraved in the gold inlay on the stock.

How's that for dreaming?!

[Garry L Gordon]

Let's Dream: CHE 28 Gauge, 00 Frame, Fluid Steel 30" Barrels Choked IC/M, 2 3/4" chambers, straight stock/splinter forearm 14 1/2" LOP X 1 3/4" X 2 3/4", Single Trigger, Skeleton Butt Plate, 5lbs 8oz weight, my initials MPB to be engraved in a gold oval on bottom of stock, to be used for early season Ringnecks on my SW MN Farm.

Matt, what a gun this will be! Better plant a few more warm season grass buffers on your farm to hold more pheasants. You will likely never miss with this gun.

[Kirk Potter]

"A" grade top lever hammer gun, 16 gauge on an 0 frame, 28" fluid steel barrels choked IC/MOD.. CPG stock with SKBP.

[Daryl Corona]

I'm with Reggie... BHE 32" 28ga, straight grip, sfe, ssbp, dt, 14 5/8" lop, 1 /12 x 2 1/2, .018/.024, weight to be 6-6.25 lbs., non-automatic safety, skeletal top lever and trigger guard, roundel on bottom with vignette of my Lab with a quail in his mouth and doves, pheasants and quail engraved on sides. "Made for D. C. Corona on top rib, let's see anything I've forgotten? Oh yes, a gold compass inletted into the left side of stock of a killer piece of wood. Nah, just kidding about the compass but it has to have killer wood.

[Bill Murphy]

AAHE 28 gauge 32" Bernard barrels if available, Damascus if Bernards are not available. There should be a set of Bernards in the junk pile since no one ever ordered them. Bore them as tight as possible. Flat tapered rib, no extension rib and no safety on this pigeon gun. Straight grip for raciness, unplated, checkered double triggers for versatility, #1 size stock and skeleton butt on a sharp curve to stick to my shoulder, one big gold bead to save the elephants, engraving bold and deep, no birds or dogs, all scroll, to shield the engravers from criticism in the future. Gold plated screws and hardware on the long splinter forend as we recently saw on the forum.

[Garry L Gordon]

"A" grade top lever hammer gun, 16 gauge on an 0 frame, 28" fluid steel barrels choked IC/MOD.. CPG stock with SKBP.

Wow, an A grade hammer 16! I'm backsliding on my choice again.

Thanks for responding.

[Garry L Gordon]

I'm with Reggie... BHE 32" 28ga, straight grip, sfe, ssbp, dt, 14 5/8" lop, 1 /12 x 2 1/2, .018/.024, weight to be 6-6.25 lbs., non-automatic safety, skeletal top lever and trigger guard, roundel on bottom with vignette of my Lab with a quail in his mouth and doves, pheasants and quail engraved on sides. "Made for D. C. Corona on top rib, let's see anything I've forgotten? Oh yes, a gold compass inletted into the left side of stock of a killer piece of wood. Nah, just kidding about the compass but it has to have killer wood.

Whew, you had me worried there when you wanted to put a compass in that "killer wood" butt stock! I like the skeletal top lever and trigger guard touch. I don't recall, did Parker ever do that on a BHE grade? Don't worry, though, whatever the case, your order will include that (very nice) specification. ;-)

[Ken Hill]

If only dreams could come true! I would want a 20ga 0-frame AHE with 30" steel barrels weighing as close to 6lbs as possible. This will be a straight stock/ splinter DT gun with a LOP of 15 1/8" and DAH of 2 3/8". This gun will have special deep engraving similar to the flower motif. The bottom of the receiver will have 4 special setters engraved. This is an upland bird gun.

Ken

[John Davis]

SA1 Special. 34 inch barrel, straight stock.

[Garry L Gordon]

AAHE 28 gauge 32" Bernard barrels if available, Damascus if Bernards are not available. There should be a set of Bernards in the junk pile since no one ever ordered them. Bore them as tight as possible. Flat tapered rib, no extension rib and no safety on this pigeon gun. Straight grip for raciness, unplated, checkered double triggers for versatility, #1 size stock and skeleton butt on a sharp curve to stick to my shoulder, one big gold bead to save the elephants, engraving bold and deep, no birds or dogs, all scroll, to shield the engravers from criticism in the future. Gold plated screws and hardware on the long splinter forend as we recently saw on the forum.

Bill, I checked, and there are 32" 28 gauge barrels available! I wonder just how tight the Bros. Parker could bore a 28 gauge.

I, and the elephants (not to mention the engravers), thank you for your order!

[Garry L Gordon]

If only dreams could come true! I would want a 20ga 0-frame AHE with 30" steel barrels weighing as close to 6lbs as possible. This will be a straight stock/ splinter DT gun with a LOP of 15 1/8" and DAH of 2 3/8". This gun will have special deep engraving similar to the flower motif. The bottom of the receiver will have 4 special setters engraved. This is an upland bird gun.

Ken

Ken, An upland gun for sure! I'll get you rush delivery IF you let me shoot it.

[Garry L Gordon]

SA1 Special. 34 inch barrel, straight stock.

Hey, our first one! I'll pick out a really nice piece of wood for this one.

[Robert Brooks]

BHE 0 frame two barrel set 28 inch cylinder and full with 20 and 28 gauge bbls no more that 6 lbs with st grip and splinter forend skeleton butt plate 1 1/2 x2 1/2 14 1/2 lop. Bobby

[Ken Hill]

Ken, An upland gun for sure! I'll get you rush delivery IF you let me shoot it.

Garry,

I thought all guns were shot before they left the factory.

[Craig Budgeon]

Garry, my order requires an AH grade 0 frame action with 2 sets of barrels. The first set of barrels would be 20 ga., 32" in length, and choked full and modified with a beaver tail forearm. The second set of barrels would be 28ga., splinter forearm, and 28" barrels with mod. and I.C. chokes. Since I think I have enough money leftover I want it housed in an oak and leather case with French fitting. Perfect, I'm willing to wait!

[Garry L Gordon]

Garry,

I thought all guns were shot before they left the factory.

All current orders will be shot by me before delivery. I'll let you know how well your gun shoots before it's shipped. I reserve the option to keep any and all orders pending how much I like them...:rotf:

[Garry L Gordon]

Garry, my order requires an AH grade 0 frame action with 2 sets of barrels. The first set of barrels would be 20 ga., 32" in length, and choked full and modified with a beaver tail forearm. The second set of barrels would be 28ga., splinter forearm, and 28" barrels with mod. and I.C. chokes. Since I think I have enough money leftover I want it housed in an oak and leather case with French fitting. Perfect, I'm willing to wait!

Craig, another excellent choice. Looks like you have your shooting bases covered.

[Daniel Carter]

A DH 20 with 28 in.barrels choked cyl. light mod.straight stock 14 1/4 1 3/8 dac skeleton butt with flushing grouse engraved on each side and a Gournet woodcock on the plate. Will write with further instructions to aggravate the staff later.

[Kenny Graft]

It would be a BHE-16 two barrel set, PG-DT-SF/BTF made to order.... what dreams are made of...(-: SXS Ohio

[Chris Travinski]

DHE 20 ga., 32" barrels, straight stock, extra nice wood, thick comb, 2 3/4" at the heel, skeleton butt, double triggers, no safety, 6.5 pounds.

[Bill Holcombe]

3 frame BHE damasus half pistol grip with 34" 10ga barrels F and F, 34" 12 ga F and M and 26" 12 ga M and IM. Gun to weigh 10lbs with 34 inch barrels and as light as I could get it while maintaning balance with the 26s. 2 triggers of course. 2.5 inch chambers on the 12s and equivalent on the 10. SSBP of course.

I would add a more open 24" 12 but that would blow the budget.

[Garry L Gordon]

A DH 20 with 28 in.barrels choked cyl. light mod.straight stock 14 1/4 1 3/8 dac skeleton butt with flushing grouse engraved on each side and a Gournet woodcock on the plate. Will write with further instructions to aggravate the staff later.

Excellent choice. I will let the guys in the office and on the factory floor know that there may be some additional requests. :corn:

[Garry L Gordon]

It would be a BHE-16 two barrel set, PG-DT-SF/BTF made to order.... what dreams are made of...(-: SXS Ohio

Kenny, I had already started your order form and had some of the form already filled out. :)

[Garry L Gordon]

DHE 20 ga., 32" barrels, straight stock, extra nice wood, thick comb, 2 3/4" at the heel, skeleton butt, double triggers, no safety, 6.5 pounds.

Chris, Just curious...what would be the primary use for this very nicely appointed gun?

[Garry L Gordon]

3 frame BHE damasus half pistol grip with 34" 10ga barrels F and F, 34" 12 ga F and M and 26" 12 ga M and IM. Gun to weigh 10lbs with 34 inch barrels and as light as I could get it while maintaning balance with the 26s. 2 triggers of course. 2.5 inch chambers on the 12s and equivalent on the 10. SSBP of course.

I would add a more open 24" 12 but that would blow the budget.

Bill, I'll see what I can do about the additional 24" barrels. Are all of the barrel sets to be Damascus?

[Mark Ray]

DH, 00 frame, three dog with a vizsla on the bottom, checked triggers, straight stock, 2 1/2” DAH, 14 7/8” LOP, manual safety, best available steel barrels in a 4 barrel set. 28 with 32” IM/F, 28 26”CYL/IC, 410 30” F/F, 410 27” sk1/sk2, oh yeah, splinter, splinter, semi beaver, semi beaver......with a snipe, a bobwhite and a dove engraved in the stock medalion.

“BOSS, de plane, de plane!!

[Garry L Gordon]

DH, 00 frame, three dog with a vizsla on the bottom, checked triggers, straight stock, 2 1/2” DAH, 14 7/8” LOP, manual safety, best available steel barrels in a 4 barrel set. 28 with 32” IM/F, 28 26”CYL/IC, 410 30” F/F, 410 27” sk1/sk2, oh yeah, splinter, splinter, semi beaver, semi beaver......with a snipe, a bobwhite and a dove engraved in the stock medalion.

“BOSS, de plane, de plane!!

Yikes! I'll have to substitute a larger stock medallion to get all those birds in. This ain't Noah's Ark, ya know! :) Also you'll need to supply a photograph or drawing of the Vizsla since they have not been imported into the United States yet. :banghead: Can we use the snipe on the small bore brochure that's impersonating a woodcock as a model for your stock medallion? Questions, questions! (BTW, on behalf of Parker Bros., thanks for your order.)

[Chris Travinski]

Garry,
Sporting clays mostly, but I have a few of similar configuration that I hunt pheasant with.

[Bill Holcombe]

Bill, I'll see what I can do about the additional 24" barrels. Are all of the barrel sets to be Damascus?

Yes sir. I'll finest Damascus if you please.

[Craig Larter]

circa 1886-1916 BHE 10ga 30" bernard #3 frame M/F, 8lbs 6oz, labs on each side with ducks in flight, bottom engraving duck in flight in relief. Stocked 1 5/8" x 2 3/4"x 14 to a skeleton butt plate plated nickel. Duck gun of course.

[Rich Anderson]

Dear Sir please find my enclosed order for a Parker shotgun as follows. Grade AHE 28 ga on the 00 frame with two sets of Damascus barrels. The first set should be 26 inches choked CYL/IC the second set also Damascus will be 30 inches choked a tight modified and full. Straight grip stock of the finest Circassian walnut available to a skeleton butt. LOP is to be 14 3/4 DAH 2 1/2, Double triggers with the front trigger articulated and both to be checkered. Splinter forearm. Please find the enclosed photos of my hunting companions both past and present for the engraver. Gunner is to be on the right side pointing a grouse, Daisy on the left with a pheasant and Ilsa on the floor plate with a quail. Please rush as bird season will be here before we know it.

Sincerely,
C.O.B.

[Garry L Gordon]

circa 1886-1916 BHE 10ga 30" bernard #3 frame M/F, 8lbs 6oz, labs on each side with ducks in flight, bottom engraving duck in flight in relief. Stocked 1 5/8" x 2 3/4"x 14 to a skeleton butt plate plated nickel. Duck gun of course.

Craig, I sure hope we can get this finely appointed gun to you by the duck season. I saw a several sets of 10 gauge Bernard barrels in the warehouse. Actually, I collected all the Bernard barrels I found and put them aside for discriminating buyers.

Thanks for responding!

[Garry L Gordon]

Dear Sir please find my enclosed order for a Parker shotgun as follows. Grade AHE 28 ga on the 00 frame with two sets of Damascus barrels. The first set should be 26 inches choked CYL/IC the second set also Damascus will be 30 inches choked a tight modified and full. Straight grip stock of the finest Circassian walnut available to a skeleton butt. LOP is to be 14 3/4 DAH 2 1/2, Double triggers with the front trigger articulated and both to be checkered. Splinter forearm. Please find the enclosed photos of my hunting companions both past and present for the engraver. Gunner is to be on the right side pointing a grouse, Daisy on the left with a pheasant and Ilsa on the floor plate with a quail. Please rush as bird season will be here before we know it.

Sincerely,
C.O.B.

Dear Mr. C.O.B.,

On behalf of Parker Brothers I want to thank you for your order. Rest assured we will give your order our fullest attention and will work to have your gun completed in time for you to open your bird season. I have already personally placed the photographs that you sent in the hands of the head engraver. I must admit, neither he nor I had ever seen photographs in color before, but he assures me that the photos will serve his work well. Because we anticipated a larger than average number of high grade gun orders, we have already begun basic work for a variety of gauges and configurations. This should allow us to fill your order in a timely fashion.

Again, thank your for your order. We will keep you informed of its progress.

Sincerely,

Garry L. Gordon (on behalf of Parker Bros.)

[Robin Lewis]

Dear Sir please find my enclosed order for a Parker shotgun as follows. Grade AAE 16 gauge on the 0 frame, double gold triggers, engraved hammers. Whitworth 28 inches choked IC/mod with double ivory beads and 2.5 inch wedge, deep chisel engraving and a small 1/8 inch ring engraved at muzzle end. Pistol grip stock of the finest Circassian walnut available to a skeleton butt with standard checkering in AA pattern in 32 LPI with LOP at 14 1/4 and DAH 2 1/2. Gold pistol grip cap engraved RWVL 1947 - 20. Splinter forearm with ejectors and full 32 LPI checkering and the inside iron engine turned. Shallow engraved skeleton butt and deep chisel scroll and flower engraving on the frame with engine turnings on frame and barrel flats. Both the trigger bow and barrel lever are pierced and engraved.

Sincerely,
Robin

[CraigThompson]

circa 1886-1916 BHE 10ga 30" bernard #3 frame M/F, 8lbs 6oz, labs on each side with ducks in flight, bottom engraving duck in flight in relief. Stocked 1 5/8" x 2 3/4"x 14 to a skeleton butt plate plated nickel. Duck gun of course.

I could be quite satisfied with that as well as long as it’s fluid steel barrels with 3 1/2” chambers :cool:

[Bill Murphy]

More than just a couple of us have forgotten that multi barrel sets are not allowed. In the spirit of simplicity, we should stick with the one barrel set rule. Anyone can throw a hammer into the thread by ordering a nine barrel set.

[Garry L Gordon]

Dear Sir please find my enclosed order for a Parker shotgun as follows. Grade AAE 16 gauge on the 0 frame, double gold triggers, engraved hammers. Whitworth 28 inches choked IC/mod with double ivory beads and 2.5 inch wedge, deep chisel engraving and a small 1/8 inch ring engraved at muzzle end. Pistol grip stock of the finest Circassian walnut available to a skeleton butt with standard checkering in AA pattern in 32 LPI with LOP at 14 1/4 and DAH 2 1/2. Gold pistol grip cap engraved RWVL 1947 - 20. Splinter forearm with ejectors and full 32 LPI checkering and the inside iron engine turned. Shallow engraved skeleton butt and deep chisel scroll and flower engraving on the frame with engine turnings on frame and barrel flats. Both the trigger bow and barrel lever are pierced and engraved.

Sincerely,
Robin

Dear Sir:

Your order has been received and has been put on "rush" status. I have personally selected a blank for the stock that will accept well the 32 LPI checking you desire. I'm confident you will be pleased. We look forward to delivering your gun as per your order.

Thank you again,

Sincerely,

Garry L Gordon (on behalf of Parker Bros.)

[Garry L Gordon]

More than just a couple of us have forgotten that multi barrel sets are not allowed. In the spirit of simplicity, we should stick with the one barrel set rule. Anyone can throw a hammer into the thread by ordering a nine barrel set.

Whew! I was hoping someone would remember this was a one gun, one barrel set question. I'm going to have a dickens of a time sorting the results. Thanks, Bill, for the reminder.

[Garry L Gordon]

I could be quite satisfied with that as well as long as it’s fluid steel barrels with 3 1/2” chambers :cool:

Shall I consider this a substitute order? :)

[Rich Anderson]

Mr. Gordon,
I have received news from the order department that only one set of barrels may be requested. While this news is disturbing please complete my order with the 26 inch barrels as originally requested.

In regards to the color photographs I have been working with the Eastman Kodak company on color photographs and while these might not be real clear we are getting better every day.

Thank you for the prompt response regarding my order even though it can't be completed as requested. Perhaps I will have sufficient funds to order a lower grade gun with the 30 inch barrels. We all know two guns are better than one.

Sincerely,
C.O.B.

[Garry L Gordon]

Mr. Gordon,
I have received news from the order department that only one set of barrels may be requested. While this news is disturbing please complete my order with the 26 inch barrels as originally requested.

In regards to the color photographs I have been working with the Eastman Kodak company on color photographs and while these might not be real clear we are getting better every day.

Thank you for the prompt response regarding my order even though it can't be completed as requested. Perhaps I will have sufficient funds to order a lower grade gun with the 30 inch barrels. We all know two guns are better than one.

Sincerely,
C.O.B.

Dear Mr. C.O.B.:

On behalf of the Order Dept., and most assuredly myself, I apologize for the confusion with your order. The 26 inch barrels are already being struck, and the work on your gun is underway. Your excellent colored photographs have received high praise from everyone in our engraving department and I have personally examined the preliminary engraving work — I am confident you will be pleased.

Please, again, accept my apologies for the confusion with your original order. Should you decide to place an additional order, we pledge to give it our utmost attention.

Faithfully,

Garry L. Gordon (On behalf of Parker Bros.)

[CraigThompson]

Shall I consider this a substitute order? :)

No but it would be an excellent addition :whistle:

[todd allen]

30" A1 Special 12 gauge, 2 barrel set. 1 Frame, straight grip, AAA wood, double triggers, 15 and 25 k chokes, rose and scroll engraving, 14 1/2" LOP to a leather covered pad. Second barrel 30" choked 5 and 15k, in a fitted case, with accessories.

[Mark Ray]

Yikes! I'll have to substitute a larger stock medallion to get all those birds in. This ain't Noah's Ark, ya know! :) Also you'll need to supply a photograph or drawing of the Vizsla since they have not been imported into the United States yet. :banghead: Can we use the snipe on the small bore brochure that's impersonating a woodcock as a model for your stock medallion? Questions, questions! (BTW, on behalf of Parker Bros., thanks for your order.)

Well, thank you for the reminder that this is a 1 gun deal! I apologize for the apparent greed of my original order.

I would like to revise my order to an 0 frame top lever 20, in B configuration, with 30” Bernard barrels, choked IC and Mod. Please use the same dimensions as the previous gun, but would like a full ball grip with MWR engraved on the grip medallion. I would prefer an ivory front bead and ivory mid bead. I would like the triggers checked, and set as far apart from each other as is practical. Please fit the gun with a “fishtail” top lever. I would like the gun to be as close to 6 lbs as possible.

Thwnk you for your patience

[Dave Noreen]

An AHE 28-gauge Skeet Gun with 28-inch barrels, vent rib, beavertail forearm, straight grip, double triggers and the banana leaf engraving on the breechballs.

[Mills Morrison]

GH 10 gauge magnum with 32 inch barrels - full/full

GH 12 gauge with 30 inch barrels - mod/full

GH 20 gauge with 28 inch barrels - IC/Mod

GH 28 gauge with 28 inch barrels - IC/Mod

[Rich Anderson]

Mr. Gordon,

As you may recall from our last correspondence my request for an additional set of barrels for my order was unable to be filled. I have calculated the savings of the barrels and with a small windfall from Uncle Sam I would like to request an additional Parker.

I would like a GHE grade also in 28 gauge with the afore mentioned 30 inch barrels. Instead of the usual floor plate engraving I'd like the portrait of my upstart pup Ike within the circle, please refer to the enclosed photograph. Same stock dimensions as previous order.

Please advise on the additional cost of upgraded wood and skeleton but treatment.

Yours Truly,
C.O.B.

[Bill Murphy]

Without pictures, IKE doesn't exist. Let's see the pup.

[John Dallas]

If that's true, I assume Mr. Murphy has no guns

[Bill Murphy]

I notice that no one has dared to order a 32" .410, probably because we believe it can't be built. However, rumor has it that such a gun does exist. I don't know who owns it, but I think I know who used to own it. Knock yourselves out, I won't order it. Someone step up to the plate.

[Bill Murphy]

John Dallas, thank you for the recognition. In the next couple of years, I will try to remedy this doubt. After 25 years with "The Lovely Linda", I am not so much a hermit. I am almost ready to make a hotel reservation for the Southern, have filled my gas tank and brought my tires up to pressure in preparation.

[John Dallas]

Hopefully, those tires are under your Ford 460 Country Squire wagon. (From an old Ford retiree)

[Bill Murphy]

Linda made me sell the wagon, but I know who has it, and I may be able to get her back, the Ford, not Linda. My Harley is gone too. I have attended the Southern since year one, but have been absent lately. I won the .410 overall in year one, with a GH Parker. I left for home without knowing I had won. Ron Kirby delivered my award weeks later.

[Rich Anderson]

Here you go Bill. This is Ike at about 18 mos quail hunting at Morrison Pines in January.

[Garry L Gordon]

30" A1 Special 12 gauge, 2 barrel set. 1 Frame, straight grip, AAA wood, double triggers, 15 and 25 k chokes, rose and scroll engraving, 14 1/2" LOP to a leather covered pad. Second barrel 30" choked 5 and 15k, in a fitted case, with accessories.

Mr Allen:

Work on your order is already underway and we expect completion within two months. Thank you for your order.

[Garry L Gordon]

Well, thank you for the reminder that this is a 1 gun deal! I apologize for the apparent greed of my original order.

I would like to revise my order to an 0 frame top lever 20, in B configuration, with 30” Bernard barrels, choked IC and Mod. Please use the same dimensions as the previous gun, but would like a full ball grip with MWR engraved on the grip medallion. I would prefer an ivory front bead and ivory mid bead. I would like the triggers checked, and set as far apart from each other as is practical. Please fit the gun with a “fishtail” top lever. I would like the gun to be as close to 6 lbs as possible.

Thwnk you for your patience

Dear Mr. Ray:

We have made the revisions to your order as requested. After consulting with our shop foremen, they have reported that they can indeed produce the gun you have specified at the desired weight, however, we strongly recommend loads of no more than 3/4 oz., and emphatically do not recommend using “Texas Loads” that are in vogue at present.

Faithfully,

Parker Bros.

[Garry L Gordon]

An AHE 28-gauge Skeet Gun with 28-inch barrels, vent rib, beavertail forearm, straight grip, double triggers and the banana leaf engraving on the breechballs.

Dear Mr. Noreen:

We are pleased to receive your order, and I have personally seen to it’s entry in our order book. We have carefully secreted this particular order book, along with several others from this period, in the usual spot for safe keeping in hopes that in the future researchers will be able to examine these records.

Faithfully,

Garry L Gordon (Parker Bros. Sales Agent)

[Garry L Gordon]

GH 10 gauge magnum with 32 inch barrels - full/full

GH 12 gauge with 30 inch barrels - mod/full

GH 20 gauge with 28 inch barrels - IC/Mod

GH 28 gauge with 28 inch barrels - IC/Mod

Memorandum to Mr. Mills Morrison, Esq.

Subject: Your Recent Order For FOUR Parker Guns

*********************************

Although we are able to produce the four shotguns to your desired specifications, three of your gun orders will be delayed due to a recent unexpected increase in orders. Please advise as to which specific gun is to receive priority work so that we may be able to fill this order quickly.

Parker Bros

[Garry L Gordon]

Mr. Gordon,

As you may recall from our last correspondence my request for an additional set of barrels for my order was unable to be filled. I have calculated the savings of the barrels and with a small windfall from Uncle Sam I would like to request an additional Parker.

I would like a GHE grade also in 28 gauge with the afore mentioned 30 inch barrels. Instead of the usual floor plate engraving I'd like the portrait of my upstart pup Ike within the circle, please refer to the enclosed photograph. Same stock dimensions as previous order.

Please advise on the additional cost of upgraded wood and skeleton but treatment.

Yours Truly,
C.O.B.

Mr. Anderson:

We are glad to learn of the windfall you are to receive from your uncle. We sincerely hope these funds are not part of a posthumous bequest.

Regarding the added cost for upgrades, there will be none owing to the fact that your status as a Parker customer to date has been extraordinary.

Parker Bros

[Mark Ray]

Dear Mr. Ray:

We have made the revisions to your order as requested. After consulting with our shop foremen, they have reported that they can indeed produce the gun you have specified at the desired weight, however, we strongly recommend loads of no more than 3/4 oz., and emphatically do not recommend using “Texas Loads” that are in vogue at present.

Faithfully,

Parker Bros.

Dear Mr. Gordon,

Thank you for the accomodation. My local ammunition purveyor tells me that 3/4 oz loads can be difficult to obtain. Please make the gun beefy enough to handle standard 7/8 oz field loads. Should the maker determine that the gun should weigh slightly more, then that will be okay with me. I am not aware of any 20 gauge “Texas” loads as you mention. Here in Texas, we use smallbore guns for doves, quail and snipe, and Big guns for deer turkey and waterfowl. I do hear that there is a fad out west of shooting 20 gauge guns at waterfowl using very long, heavy load shells. Down here in the Lone Star State we would call that “bringing a knife to a gunfight”! I sure am anxious to see this gun with those fancy Bernard barrels!

Thanks again pardner for working with me!

[Bruce Day]

For Garry’s question about a No. 2 frame 26” 10ga weight, I have exactly that in a two barrel 10 and 12 set. With the 10ga Damascus barrels, factory choked cyl and cyl, on a 2 frame CH, the weight is 7lbs 3oz.

I have a case of RST 1 1/4 oz 5’s and sometimes use it on pheasant. I should use it more . The gun was originally sold to New Hampshire, I assume for woods grouse but it is heavy for a grouse gun.

[Garry L Gordon]

For Garry’s question about a No. 2 frame 26” 10ga weight, I have exactly that in a two barrel 10 and 12 set. With the 10ga Damascus barrels, factory choked cyl and cyl, on a 2 frame CH, the weight is 7lbs 3oz.

I have a case of RST 1 1/4 oz 5’s and sometimes use it on pheasant. I should use it more . The gun was originally sold to New Hampshire, I assume for woods grouse but it is heavy for a grouse gun.

Wow! I imagine the patterns and shot strings for that 10 would be conducive to taking grouse in the thickets. And I’ve seen guys carrying heavier 12s in the grouse woods. I don’t mean to pester you with questions, but I would be curious to know the stamped, unstruck barrel weight and actual weight for those barrels.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Dear Sirs, After much thought I have decided to order my dream gun specs as follows
AA Hammergun circa 1905 28gauge 30" barrels of Whitworth Steel 0 frame, straight stock with exhibition walnut, skeleton steel but plate with leather inlay, double gold triggers articulating front trigger, extra long beavertail forend, frame to be engraved with gold pheasants and woodcock gun to weigh less than 7 lbs. Leather case with accessories, please advise auto shipping time. Gary Carmichael

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

PS, LOP 14-1/2" gary

[Garry L Gordon]

Dear Sirs, After much thought I have decided to order my dream gun specs as follows
AA Hammergun circa 1905 28gauge 30" barrels of Whitworth Steel 0 frame, straight stock with exhibition walnut, skeleton steel but plate with leather inlay, double gold triggers articulating front trigger, extra long beavertail forend, frame to be engraved with gold pheasants and woodcock gun to weigh less than 7 lbs. Leather case with accessories, please advise auto shipping time. Gary Carmichael

Mr Carmichael:

We are pleased to receive your order and pledge to give it our utmost attention. Although we have phased out production of hammer guns, we are aware of your special status as a Parker hammer gun shooter and our agent, Mr. Gordon, assures me that we have the parts on hand to fill this very special order to your exact specifications.

Again, thank you for your order.

Faithfully,

Parker Bros

[Garry L Gordon]

Well, here are some results to the highly non-methodologically correct survey. The results are confused because we had several orders that included more than one gun, more than one barrel set, and other multiple feature orders. I arbitrarily chose to use the first in those cases where more that one gauge, etc. was ordered. I'm sure things would be much different IF all orders were for just one gun, one gauge and one set of barrels. Oh, well. It was fun reading your orders and I appreciate everyone who played along.

Here's a broad thrown net of results (feature followed by number specified in parenthesis):

Grade: A1S (4); AA (3); A (5); B (6); C (2); D (5); G (2)
Gauge: 10 (4); 12 (4); 16 (4); 20 (9); 28 (8)
Barrel length: 34 (2); 32 (9); 30 (9); 28 (5); 26 (2)

Of the above, there were three Hammer guns ordered and one Single Barrel gun.

Two triggers was specified significantly more often than one.

Choking was hard to tally since some used letters and other exact measurements. My fault for not being more clear (about this and many other things, no doubt). IC/Mod seemed to be a common denominator.

Barrel material was not always specified, but some sort of fluid showed up about 5 times and Bernard 3. Other types were less than three.

Straight/Splinter seemed to be the most popular configuration, and light weight frames sought more frequently (except for those heavy 20s!)

So, what do we learn from this that we don't already know -- probably nothing.

It was nice getting to know more about each of you through your orders. Gosh, I wish I could inspect each of your orders as they are sent out. Can you just imagine getting the call or telegram from your local hardware store to come and get your gun (and no FFL hassle!). There's an anachronistic bent in each of us I suspect.

Thanks again to all of you who took the time to respond. If you don't get your orders it's because I decided to keep your gun rather than send it along. I did mention that somewhere didn't I? :whistle:

[Mills Morrison]

I am a patient man. Next week is fine.

Interesting survey

[Rich Anderson]

It was a lot of fun, thanks for doing it.

[Garry L Gordon]

It was a lot of fun, thanks for doing it.

You, Sir, are a gentleman. I sure wish you could get that gun you so patiently ordered.

[Rich Anderson]

Lets not get carried away:whistle: Maybe I'll find it at the Southern. I usually come away with two from there:eek:

[Ken Hill]

Garry,

Definitely a nice little exercise. However, mine wasn't a special as others so you don't need to keep it. Please send it my way.

Ken