First Parker

[John Towery]

Hello guys. I’m from just outside Charlotte, NC. From what I have read, my recently acquired 20 gauge VH Parker was made in 1911. I thought I would try to post a few photographs while I’m waiting for my research letter. Any information or insights you guys can provide would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[John Dunkle]

Hi John!

I moved your post out of the "If You Are a PGCA Member..." thread into it's own thread for you...

Welcome aboard..!

John D.

[Dave Noreen]

Congratulations!! Pretty nice way to start into Parker Bros. shotguns, a nice clean 20-gauge. Keep in mind that the "standard" 20-gauge shell in 1911 was 2 1/2 inch, with loads of 2 drams of bulk smokeless powder or 16-grains of dense smokeless powder such as Infallible or Ballistite pushing 3/4 ounce of shot and 2 1/4 drams of bulk smokeless powder or 18-grains of dense smokeless powder pushing 7/8 ounce of shot.

Longer shells of 2 3/4, 2 7/8 and 3-inch were offered with slightly hotter loads of 2 1/2 drams of bulk smokeless powder or 20-grains of dense smokeless powder pushing 7/8 ounce of shot. Parker Bros. would chamber for these longer shells if so requested. My 1930 vintage VH 20-gauge was still chambered for the 2 1/2 inch 20-gauge shell.

[Brian Dudley]

The gun has a ton of original condition. That is what you want!

[John Towery]

Thanks for the replies guys. It is chambered for 2-3/4” shells and seems to be choked full/full, based on my rudimentary dial caliper measurements. After I cleaned them, the bores are mirrors and I can’t find any repairs in the stock or forend. The lever is slightly right of center and there’s no light visible at the barrel to breechface intersection. I weighed it and it’s right at 5-3/4 pounds. Seemed really light to me, but it feels great and fits me wonderfully. I’m thrilled to have finally gotten a Parker and look forward to shooting it soon!

[Milton C Starr]

Thanks for the replies guys. It is chambered for 2-3/4” shells and seems to be choked full/full, based on my rudimentary dial caliper measurements. After I cleaned them, the bores are mirrors and I can’t find any repairs in the stock or forend. The lever is slightly right of center and there’s no light visible at the barrel to breechface intersection. I weighed it and it’s right at 5-3/4 pounds. Seemed really light to me, but it feels great and fits me wonderfully. I’m thrilled to have finally gotten a Parker and look forward to shooting it soon!

I know the feeling , I got my first Parker last year and recently just picked up a 2nd one . You will probably end up with another one before you know it .

[Harold Lee Pickens]

I like it, great little Parker 20. How long are the barrels? What is the LOP with the recoil pad? That is a nice light little gun, I have a VH and a VHE 20 that both weigh in at 6 lbs. I like my 3/4 oz reloads in 20's , or factory 7/8 oz loads around 1200 fps. I shy away from 1 oz 20 ga loads, too much recoil in a light gun like that. Thanks for posting those pictures.

[John Towery]

13-3/4” LOP from the pad and the barrels are 28”. Thanks for the load advice. I’m going to take it easy one her since she’s 110 years old and apparently holding up well. Here’s a couple more pics of the forend. I realize it’s not ideal, looking at pictures and all, but do you guys have any idea as to value or a percentage original remaining?

[David Noble]

It is hard to tell from the pictures, but I think your gun easily has 75% original case colors. That is way more than average and will add quite a bit to its value. The short length of pull and the recoil pad will subtract some. But that is a very nice gun and I would love it to be mine. Congratulations.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Dave is right, the short LOP and recoil pad dont help its value, but with its condition, great unbuggered screws, etc, it would bring at least $3000 on one of the internet gun sites--that's just my opinion right now, but if you just want to shoot, hunt, enjoy it,who cares, just enjoy owning a great little Parker.

[John Towery]

Thanks again guys. Not likely I’ll be selling it anytime soon!

[keavin nelson]

The 0 frame Parkers are sweet guns, and with the condition on that 20ga very nice for a first Parker! Well done!

[todd allen]

Wow, that's a heck of a nice "first" Parker! Most of us have to work our way up to a gun like that.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

John, Congrats on a really nice Parker, she will give you years of pleasure. Gary

[John Towery]

Thanks! When I saw it for sale i figured it was meant to be mine. The guy said it had only been there a few days.