A question about a crack in a stock on CHE

[Francis Marshall]

I recently purchased a 1904 16 gauge CHE. It appears to be, at least to my eyes in original condition. It shows signs of a long life afield. There are very little case colors left. All of its characteristics match the Parker research letter. There is a small crack on the right hand side, near the receiver. The crack appears to originate at the small pin at the bottom of the receiver, closest to the trigger where the stock meets the metal work. The crack is less than 1 inch long. To me it is minor. I’m planning a Montana grouse hunting trip September 1. My question is. Should I leave this gun in the safe and not shoot it? Or have it repaired or the entire stock replaced. All opinions are solicited. Photos hopefully below.

[Bruce Day]

It has been repaired once and not done well.

Replacing the stock on a C would be easily a $4000 job to do properly with correct checking, skeleton butt and high quality European walnut. It would likely take at least a year and the result may not be as good as what you have. In my opinion, replacement would be completely unwarranted.

I would shoot it this fall and then send it to Dennis Smith, the Stock Doctor in Oregon .

I usually hunt Eastern Montana for sharptails in September. We will see about this year , I am concerned about low bird numbers.

[Greg Baehman]

Are you absolutely sure it's a crack? It almost appears to be a drag mark that starts at the pin and has gouged the wood a bit. If it is indeed cracked, I'd have it looked after by a competent wood man and use it as the Parker Bros. intended.

[Patrick Lien]

I don't see a crack or a previous repair. Shoot it!

PML

[Drew Hause]

The gap superiorly and the difference in the wood finish do suggest some previous repair as Bruce suggested. The usual Parker head-of-the-stock crack in down the middle

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/15127852/270528918.jpg

The Stock Doctor would explain that little cracks are much easier to repair than big cracks, and I would have the stock examined before use.

BTW: what is the chamber length?

[Bruce Day]

Patrick, I am looking at a half circle of what looks like filler in there with a gouge or crack in it. What do you think? I realize it’s not like having the gun in hand .

[Gerald McPherson]

Enlarging the pic I see what looks like a crack at the top pin also. I would get the stock removed and take a look inside. Not a difficult repair and I would feel better when I pulled the trigger. Just my opinion.

[Patrick Lien]

Patrick, I am looking at a half circle of what looks like filler in there with a gouge or crack in it. What do you think? I realize it’s not like having the gun in hand .


Bruce,
The OP referred to a crack located at the bottom pin on the frame. This looks like a gouge or deep scratch to me. The semi-circle just looks like a blemish in the finish. Looking at a picture is always subjective. I don't see anything that would stop me from shooting this gun or buying this gun. Just my opinion.

PML

[Scott Gentry]

Bruce,
The OP referred to a crack located at the bottom pin on the frame. This looks like a gouge or deep scratch to me. The semi-circle just looks like a blemish in the finish. Looking at a picture is always subjective. I don't see anything that would stop me from shooting this gun or buying this gun. Just my opinion.

PML

If you look closely at the lower mark in red that Patrick indicates the line/scratch continues on to the receiver at the sear pin location, looks more like a deep scratch to me. The upper one is a toss up, could be a small crack or scratch. Nice gun.

[Bruce Day]

I think you fellows are correct. Probably just shoot it.

I like these C’s. I am fortunate to have them from 10 to 20.

[Brian Dudley]

There does not look to be a crack anywhere on that cheek. Just grain lines and deep gouges/scratches.

There are no forces that would create damage in those areas. Except for climate acclamation and the wood shrinking, and that would only cause very fine hairline cracks.

If you want to be completely sure, the action should be removed and the head fo the stock inspected. But, based on the photo of it, I do not think there is any damaged there.

[Daniel G Rainey]

Great looking gun !

[Francis Marshall]

Thanks for all the opinions and analysis. I’m going with the consensus. Off to Montana to hunt with this old gun. We’ll see about the low sharptail numbers. It’s been pretty lean the past 2 years, but I’m always hopeful. :)

[Francis Marshall]

The gap superiorly and the difference in the wood finish do suggest some previous repair as Bruce suggested. The usual Parker head-of-the-stock crack in down the middle

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1373/6511424/15127852/270528918.jpg

The Stock Doctor would explain that little cracks are much easier to repair than big cracks, and I would have the stock examined before use.

BTW: what is the chamber length?
The chamber length is 2 and a half inches. I’ve got a case of RSTs 16s ready to go.

[Francis Marshall]

Thank you that seems to be the consensus. I’m going to shoot it.

[davidboyles]

Shoot that baby. 1 oz.recoil more than 7/8 and don't kill any better. RST Falcon Lites!!Save the old stock some extra stress this year and hammer those grouse. Good luck. If you decide it's not for you just let me know!! Beautiful gun I am fond of C grades I did own some 12's but would like a 16 someday.

[Rich Anderson]

2 1/2 inch RST's with 7/8ths of shot will work splendidly. Keep an eye on the stock and you will have a great fall chasing birds with a wonderful Parker. Congrats on the find.

[edgarspencer]

Pretty gun from a great period. As others have said, I also don't think there's a crack there; just memories of past hunts.

[Patrick Lien]

Thank you that seems to be the consensus. I’m going to shoot it.

Francis,
Don't rush in. These old guns can be dangerous! If you have any reservations about shooting this gun then I know a guy 381.7 due East that can fix your worries.:bigbye:

PML
p.s. I think you will break before the gun does. Shoot it!