Stock Bending back to “Normal”

[Rud Blumentritt]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 12 gauge Parker GHE made in 1916. I have been looking for a gun with this guns specifications for quite some time. However there is one issue with the gun...the stock is bent “up” such that the heal is actually 1/4” HIGHER than the comb (DAC 1-3/4” and DAH 1-1/2”). The wood on this gun has been refinished at some point and checkering recut. The stock is said to be original to the gun. It’s a pistol grip. If I buy the gun I would have to have the stock bent “down” to more normal dimensions - maybe DAC 1-1/2” and DAH 2-1/4”. So my questions are: (1) is this level of bending advisable? (2) what is the likliehood it will “hold” (3) who is the best person for this job and (4) what is the cost (estimate) to do this? Should I just walk away and keep looking? I’ve attached a photo of the gun. Thanks in advance!

[Bruce Day]

Walk away. There are many G s available , many with correct , original stocks.

If you don’t like one, you can find another.

[Garry L Gordon]

If I understand your numbers, you want to raise the drop at the comb and lower at the heel(?). I'm just not sure that can be done (you would need to exert pressure in two opposing directions). The bending happens mostly in the wrist area and the rest of the stock "follows." I have had two stocks bent, wanting to raise both DAC and DAH. It can be chancy and it's possible to break the stock, especially in older wood. My two bends helped, but they both moved back somewhat after time.

I must say that the stock configuration of the gun you pictured is unique. It almost appears that some of the stock was shaved off of the comb. Personally, I think you might be asking too much to get the measurements to where you want them by bending the stock. There are others here with far more experience than my limited two examples, and I'm sure they'll weigh in.

Good luck.

[Brian Dudley]

I recognize that gun. I am pretty sure I saw it for sale recently.

It was refinished and the checkering recut because the wrist was BROKEN when the stock was bent! Not an uncommon thing when they are bent up that much. If they dont break right away, they break down the road. The stock is garbage. The only solution is replacement.

[Rud Blumentritt]

Thanks for all that responded. Makes this an easy decision! Glad I check here first!

[Mike McKinney]

We would be glad to have you join PGCA, might find your gun on the forum and the Parker Pages are a great value.

[Dean Romig]

Parker Pages, journal of the PGCA, is actually a full-color forty-eight page magazine and there is a Members Only section of the forum where, among other things, we enjoy the benefit of buying and selling Parkers and other sports related items. Like Mike said, we would be glad to have you join - and you’d be glad you did.





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[Rud Blumentritt]

Just joined. Thanks!

[Garry L Gordon]

Welcome, Rud. As others have already noted, you can now access the "for sale" threads and very likely find the gun you're looking for...and more that you didn't even know you needed!