PARKER CHECKERING & FRONT SIGHTS

[Jerry Harlow]

Most examples of the unrestored lower grade guns (Trojan, V, 1 & 2) appear to have flat top checkering, and it appears to be too uniformly flat on top to have worn that evenly.

Most of the restorations I see have sharp, pointed diamonds cut, as some checkering websites also show the work to be done that way:vconfused:.

I would be grateful for an answer as to which is the way these lower grade guns came from the factory as new as I thought I remembered the Parker two volume book indicating they were sharp and pointed diamonds.

Also, what is the thread size of the front sight on these guns and is anyone making replacements for them? I guess if not the next option would be an ivory/imitation ivory bead. A source on these?

Many thanks for your time and knowledge.

[Dave Suponski]

Jerry, The lower grade guns did indeed have "flat topped" checkering. As the grade of gun rose IE: G,D,C etc. the checkering became finer(more LPI) and more pointed up.

[Brad Bachelder]

Jerry, The flat topping that you refer to is an indication of less time spent on the pattern. After the initial master lines are cut, each line needs to be deepened or pointed up. To finish full cuts, each diamond needs to be cut on all four sides. Cutting on two sides only often results in a flat top appearance.
Intentional flat checkering , as with some english, is done with entirely different tools, spacing and angle of the cutter. What you are seeing is hastly done work.
As for beads, many are simply press fit. When they are threaded they are usually 3x56 or 4x40. We have seen altered threads to anything imaginable.

Brad

[Dave Suponski]

Trojan and Vulcan grade guns with "Pointed up" checkering is not factory correct. Wouldn't you agree Brad?

[Jerry Harlow]

Dave and Brad,

Thanks for the quick response. I'm finishing up the final coats of oil on a V stock and forend. I'll make sure the checkerer (who does beautiful work) does not point these up but keeps the original "flat top" diamonds to have the correct factory appearance.

Since there appear to be several different thread sizes on the front sights, I'll try to determine what it is I have and locate a replacement. I like the ivory/imitation ivory beads for wing shooting.