Parker Model D vs G

[Bill Mountjoy]

Greetings, I am a new member and looking for a little advice. I will inheret this evening a Parker Model D or G, both 12 guage, and have to choose between the two. My 95 year old father is giving one to me and a brother and said choose whichever one each of us wants and if we can't decide, flip a coin. I have not seen either of these guns for 30 plus years and not sure of the condition. With little research, my guess is that the Model D is the better choice as the D is a grade above the G. Also the serial numbers seem to indicate the Model D was manufactured in 1900 vs 1929 for the Model G. I want to keep the gun as a gift from my father and hunt with it.

Any thoughts or suggestions regarding which gun to choose?

[Robin Lewis]

My point of view is, either one. A Parker from my dad would not ever be sold and value would be in the ownership of "his" Parker.

From a collector point of view, one who will sell, and all other things (condition and originality) being equal, than the D is the better choice. But, condition and originality can change that real fast. Enjoy it, use it and think of your dad when you pick it up.

[Bill Mountjoy]

Thank you, great advice. From what I know about Parker shotguns, I'll be honored to be an owner and a member of an exclusive club. I'll keep the gun for my life and pass it along to another family member but hopefully not until I'm 95. Each time I use it, my dad will be on my mind.

[Dave Suponski]

Robin's viewpoint is as sound as it gets and I agree completely.

[Richard Flanders]

I agree; it would be an honor to inherit and hunt with either. I'd guess that a 1929 G grade might be a very nice gun and have steel bbls vs the likely damascus on the D grade if that makes any difference.

[David Holes]

I'd have to look the G grade over pretty hard. Later production date and steel barrels should make for a great shooter.

[Jerry Andrews]

What an honor to own Dad's gun and a Parker at the same time! Jerry Andrews

[Pete Lester]

I you plan to hunt with it I would want the one with best dimensions.