New Member from Virginia

[James Pierce]

I inherited a Parker Double Barrel 12 Ga Ser#113153 from my father who passed away in 1989. He loved this shotgun and I want to make it beautiful again. It is in bad need of a new stock and be checked out for serviceability. I would appreciate any suggestions for having this work done.

[Randy G Roberts]

Welcome aboard James. The gun you referenced appears to be a VH 12 Ga with 30" barrels, the most common of all Parkers. It would be most helpful if you could post some pics which would assist the more knowledgeable folks on the site is offering you advice.

[James Pierce]

Thanks Randy. Pictures are being posted. I hope they can help. 75176

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[Alan Phillips]

The cost of restoring this Parker would greatly exceed the ultimate value of the gun. That said there are members on this site that can help you with as much as you wish to do as far as making it "beautiful".

[James Pierce]

Thanks, Alan. I think I could be happy with just getting a new stock on the shotgun. My father used this gun to hunt for many years and it means a lot to me.

[Randy G Roberts]

Alan is right, you are fighting a losing financial battle in a big way with that gun. The wood boys out there today can do wonders with repairs. You might consider having one of them look at it and see what it would cost to repair the stock. If the rest of the gun is sound mechanically you may end up with a much less expensive shooter that still has your father's original stock on it. Just a thought.

[Dean Romig]

The stock has already been replaced by someone not very adept at stockmaking. A new, well done stock made to look as original as possible would be a poor investment but would allow Mr. Pierce to continue to shoot it with pride.





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[Randy G Roberts]

True Dean. But it is his Father's which was my point.

[James Pierce]

Thanks everyone for the comments. Yes, the gun is sentimental for me and I would just like to have it in working order and look good.

[Garth Gustafson]

James, I agree restocking this gun doesn’t make financial sense from an investment perspective. You’re probably looking at $2,500 for a “Parker correct” stock job which is far more than the gun is worth. If the stock can be repaired, the cost is far less. And there could be other issues as well. But many of us would happily pay that price to save and be able to shoot a gun that meant so much to our dad, and to you. Don’t give up on that gun just yet. Get it inspected by a reputable gunsmith/stocker and then make your decision.

Need a recommendation? Go to the PGCA home page and on the left margin click on “Parker FAQ”. Then select “Need a gunsmith” for recommendations and reviews. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[Daniel Carter]

I am not qualified to comment on the originality of this stock but if your father did it I would get it repaired if possible. It would preserve it's sentimental value to you.

[Harry Collins]

James,

I have the Parker my father found under the Christmas tree. It was well taken care of, but he shot the tar out of it and in the process he wore the blue and checkering off. I would never "restore" the little gun as all that wear was with his hands. It is what it is.

Kindest, Harry