Which would you choose?

[Dennis Martin]

Greetings All,
I'm at a crossroads and want to solicit some input from those more familiar with nuances of the Parker Reproductions. I'm interested in three guns or sets, but will buy only one. All have single triggers. Not hung up on the chokes. I'm sure I'm forgetting some pertinent information, but isn't that always the case? I appreciate any assistance you can provide, including financial! :) They are as follows;

1. 20 gauge BHE with straight grip, splinter forearm, 26" barrels, and Parker case. Like new, $10K

2. 20 gauge A1 Special with pistol grip, beavertail forearm, 26" barrels choked Q1 & Q2, 28" barrels choked mod & full and Parker 2 barrel case. Receiver has tasteful 100% coverage custom relief engraving without game scenes. Has minimal wear, $15K

3. 28 & 410 DHE combo with pistol grip, not sure about the forearm(s), 26" barrels, and 2 barrel Parker case. Like new, $18K

[Tom Kidd]

I am a tiny bore man, so I would be biased, but always pick the gun with charisma, and they are hard to find and not always in perfect condition. I have managed to acquire about a dozen guns that fall into that category in 65yrs of collecting and they don't leave here, period. Good Luck, Tom

[Donald F. Mills]

I will offer that a 28 gauge Parker Reproduction is a dream to shoot. One that has a set of .410 barrels would be an easy decision for me.

[Kenny Graft]

What is the reason for buying? Investment, hunting, or target shooting? They made few B grade guns and that's a fair price if nice wood and no flaws. The 410/28 would be my pic for multiple reasons. Sent you a PM....SXS ohio

[Dennis Martin]

Well, I'm off to a good start! Looks like the 28/410 is in the lead, but Tom, can you elaborate on your charisma statement? Based on looks, the 20 gauge A1 Special is the clear winner, in my opinion. But I am leaning toward smaller gauges and the 28/410 are appealing from that standpoint. Who wouldn't love having a .410? Kenny, I'm buying to enjoy owning and shoot some. Not looking to make money, but don't want to lose any either. And why did all of you pick the most expensive option?!!!

[Dan Steingraber]

Well, I'm off to a good start! Looks like the 28/410 is in the lead, but Tom, can you elaborate on your charisma statement? Based on looks, the 20 gauge A1 Special is the clear winner, in my opinion. But I am leaning toward smaller gauges and the 28/410 are appealing from that standpoint. Who wouldn't love having a .410? Kenny, I'm buying to enjoy owning and shoot some. Not looking to make money, but don't want to lose any either. And why did all of you pick the most expensive option?!!!

Dennis, The answer lies in the question. "And why did all of you pick the most expensive option?" My answer is I don't see how you can make a "wrong" decision. Buy one, shoot it, love it.

[Brett Souder]

You can buy a 28 / 28 two barrel set for $7000, seems like $11,000 is a lot of dough for a 410 barrel. I have really nice 410 side by sides that don’t cost 11k.
Just my thoughts on the 28/410. I would get the BHE
-Brett

[Ken Hill]

There are a lot of reproductions for sale. Why have you narrowed it down to these 3? A 26” barrel isn’t appealing to a lot of buyers so BHE is out. The 28/410 set is expensive and also has 26” barrels so it is out. The 20 gauge A1 special doesn’t sound like it is factory engraved. It would need to be evaluated, price wise, based on the engraving and the engraver. Keep looking.

Ken

[Dennis Martin]

Thanks to all, especially BS/Brett, for your input. Brett put things into perspective for me with the statement about the true cost of a .410 barrel. I know they're rare, but not sure I need/want one that much. Plus, in the interest of delayed full transparency, I already own the BHE which translates to I used the money I saved to purchase a Purdey hammer gun in an oak and leather case today. Woe is me!

[Brian Dudley]

It sounds like the A1 special is a “custom” meaning that it was finished from an “in the white” gun and not a cataloged factory built A1. Or even a Gournet custom grade custom ordered from Regent.

The quality of the work in finishing the gun would be the main driver in that one being a good buy or not. If it is very well done and executed, then $15k is a fine price for a 2 bbl 20g A1.

[Brett Trimble]

Something to consider is that Parker Repros tend to have very little drop at heal. I wound up having a stock made for mine so it would fit me. You might want to try the gun for fit before buying or at least ensure that you can return if it doesn’t fit.

I like it so much that I’m going to have the engraving chased by someone that knows how and will have Turnbull re-do the case colors. I will likely have some custom engraving done on the floor plate. These things can turn into a money pit. :)

Brett

[Dennis Martin]

Thanks Brett,
I already own the BHE 20 gauge and the stock is indeed a little high. But, it's really nice and I won't shoot it very much, so don't plan to alter it. I'll just learn to deal with it.

[Brett Trimble]

Dennis,

Very nice to hear that. :)

BTW, what a tough decision. They’re all wonderful guns!

All the best,
Brett

[Bill Murphy]

Some of the posters did not pay attention and discover that Dennis already owns the BHE and a decision has been made to use the extra money to buy a Purdey hammer gun, a decision I made years ago. Tell us about the Purdey.

[John Allen]

Speaking from just a value point of view, the BHE is the far best value. There were only 100 BH guns in 20 gauge produced. There are far fewer of them than A1s and DHE sets. At $10K, it is a good buy, assuming the gun is configured the way you want.

[allen newell]

All things equal, I would buy the 28 ga Repro

[Dennis Martin]

I've bought the Purdey, but have only seen pics of it. Actually bought it from the guy I bought the BHE from. Hopefully, will receive it next week. According to the serial number, it was made in 1858 which means it's a pinfire converted to modern shotshell as best I can tell. It has 30" damascus barrels with full length 20 ga Briley tubes. Even though set hasn't got the tool and hammer to remove the tubes, he was able to remove one. He said that bore looks great. The item that closed the deal, beside price, was it comes with an oak and leather case. The leather just so happens to be alligator! Cautiously anxious to get it in my hands.

[Mark Britton]

Sounds like a lot of good choices. I can't help you. All I know is I have to feed the Tax Pig on June 5th,December 5th, April 15th, and on May 1st. Here in Virginia !

[allen newell]

I have 2 Repros, a 20 and 28. Both shoot high. Too high for me. I don't know whether to get rid of them or have someone take the stocks down.

[Dennis Martin]

No more than I know about it, seems it would be a tricky and pricey endeavor with the skeleton buttplate.

[Dennis Martin]

BRDHNTR, sent you a PM.

[tom tutwiler]

Some Repro's can be bent a bit. Some can't. Type of walnut used and whether it is quartersawn or not can make a big difference. I'm not talking a big bend. I'm talking like 1/4" max down at heel.

[Dennis Martin]

Thanks, Tom, but this way I can blame my misses on the stock not fitting!

[Bill Murphy]

A bend of 1/4" at the heel? Would that have any noticeable difference at the face? Wouldn't a bit of a shave from the comb, tapering back to the heel be safer?

[Phillip Carr]

Bill this is exactly what I had done with my A10 20 gauge. After refinishing it looked factory and fit perfectly.

[allen newell]

I decided to get rid of my 28 ga Repro and it's now sold.

[Dennis Martin]

Received my Purdey on Tuesday and while I'm ok with the gun itself, the case did not disappoint! Here are a few pics.

[Chris Robenalt]

Dennis, I think you made a good choice. I like the BHE engraving. Does that one have the 2 dogs on the side? I bought a much cheaper DHE 28 3 years ago that fits perfect and shoots great. Your Purdey looks alot like my $400 WC Scott & Sons, which is my Purdy, haha. I really like the case! Is the Purdey fairly light with the tubes installed? I did hold a Purdey 28 hammer a couple years ago, which was a dream come true gun. I think the couple was fishing for prices for it and a H&H 12. They weren't selling and they never mentioned price. I don't know your age, but I'd shoot the heck out of both, and enjoy living the dream! Congratulations on some fine acquisitions!!

Chris, AZ

[Dennis Martin]

Thanks, Chris. My BHE has two grouse in flight on the sides and a woodcock on the bottom. I received a DHE Reproduction in 28 ga yesterday that's nice. Has some wear, but price was commensurate. As far as the Purdey, I'm more excited about the case than the gun. The seller's eyesight isn't too good, if you know what I mean. Felt sort of like a blind date, but I'm keeping it. I haven't weighed it, but it's no lightweight. Shot a round of skeet wih the 20 ga tubes and hit about my usual (which would make a lot of people quit). In my mid-sixties now, so hope I have a number of years to enjoy them in front of me. Time will tell. Will have a hell‐of-a sale someday!

[Chris Robenalt]

Great Dennis! We're about the same age then. I'm weeding out some of my low end stuff now, and keeping the graded and favorite shooters. Shot my FOX XE 12 last week on some Eurasion and pigeon. Have a Super Fox I'll take next and try out. You'll like the 28. I shoot 9 shot during the opening dove season. Very deadly, easy shooting and you won't hammer your shoulder.

Chris, AZ

[Bill Murphy]

Years ago, I tried to buy a 32" Purdey pigeon gun at a country auction in Western Maryland. It was cased in a Purdey alligator case. Some years later, the same gun appeared at the Southern Side by Side missing the case. I can't imagine anyone separating a very rare Purdey from its case, but it happened to this one.