Restock

[Stephen Hodges]

Question. I have seen many posts on restoration projects to include a restock. I understand that the higher the grade of gun a restock may make economic sense but to what degree does grade have in the decision to restock a gun? Do you need to get above a DH grade in a Parker, or say an A grade in a fox to make it economic sense to restock???

[Brian Dudley]

Gauge of the gun would make a major difference in the value.

[Dylan Rhodes]

I feel like it’s more of a personal decision than a financial one. Lots of things to consider to yourself if it was/is “worth it”.

[Kevin McCormack]

As Brian said gauge has a lot to do with it, also the general configuration of the gun: I wouldn't think twice about restocking a smallbore gun with 30 or 32" barrels if the existing stock was extensively damaged or had such severe dimensions that I couldn't shoot it. In those cases I think restocking the lower grades with appropriate "plain Jane" wood is a sound investment.

[Victor Wasylyna]

I restocked a D grade 10 gauge and it was one of the best Parker decisions I ever made. It now fits me perfectly and looks like a beauty. Ducks and geese are in big trouble. (Hopefully on Saturday morning!) I even won some "bling" with it down at the Southern.

That said, if you want "economic sense," buy the gold miners. I like Barrick Mining Corporation and the VanEck Gold Miners ETF.

-Victor

[William Woods]

I think that the amount of detail to a re-stocking would be a consideration. If you were looking for an exact duplication of the checkering pattern, wood type/grain pattern, quality of the work performed, in addition to the aforementioned suggestions, would be taken into account. You wouldn't want an AAHE grade 16 gauge (my favorite gauge just for suggestion) Parker re-stocked with Trojan grade wood by an inexperienced stocker. You would not want to re-stock a 12 gauge Boito with exhibition walnut fitted and checkered by some of the outstanding craftsman on our site.

[allen newell]

Restocking a gun is frankly a personal decion. If it's your gun do what you want with it if it makes you happy.

[Jay Oliver]

I have had 2 guns restocked to my dimensions and I have another in progress. To go further, all 3 were also taking a pistol grip stock and converting them to a straight stock. In every case the original stock had been shortened/cut to the point and I felt no guilt restocking and making the gun more me.

For Reference these are the guns:

VH 0 Frame 28ga 26" barrels (which I just shot the other day and was loving it)
PHE 0 Frame 20ga 28" Twist barrels (this one is a dream and looking forward to hunting with it this year)
VH 1 1/2 frame 16ga 32" barrels (this one is in progress and I am really looking forward to it)

I agree with Victor, you end up with a gun that fits you perfectly that you are now excited to use. I am not concerned about the impact on collect value, restocking got these guns looking good and back in the field.

Quick Edit: I will also say that I did choose a nicer grade of wood that would have come with the gun originally and was happy with that choice

[John Cleveland]

Question. I have seen many posts on restoration projects to include a restock. I understand that the higher the grade of gun a restock may make economic sense but to what degree does grade have in the decision to restock a gun? Do you need to get above a DH grade in a Parker, or say an A grade in a fox to make it economic sense to restock???

Steve,

Others here are much more qualified than I to comment on economic value of restocking. However, I can speak to the emotional side of a boost in wood grade on restocking.

Everything about my 12 Ga lifter hammer gun was a wreck, including the stock being busted at the wrist, literally held together with staples and tape. If it were going to be restored, it had to be restocked. It was a $75 Grade, according to the research letter, and it looks like the Grade 2 guns in the Parker Grades article. I didn't give the gunsmith instructions about grade of wood to use, and on his own judgement used a grade that has to be much higher than the original (which was in such bad shape you had to look hard to even see grain). Even though he charged me extra for the wood, I have been extremely happy about it. Every time I take it out or go hunting, I get a smile looking at it. So, aside from the economics, it gives me a lift when I use my lifter. :)

It's not going to be original, no matter what grade you use. I would think more in terms of what will be its value to you.

[allen newell]

if its your gun and value is of little consequence to you, do what you dam well please with it. Who gives a f..k.

[Arthur Shaffer]

I agree with that to some extent. However there is a limit to that to some extent. At some point you are ruining a significant historical item. I once attended a car show where someone had on display a unique Austin Healy factory racing roadster. It had an all aluminum louvered body, factory modified as to almost every frame, suspension, drivetrain and body piece. Only six had been built as factory works cars. He had this all documented as part of his display. He also documented his hot rod work as to a Ford rear end, V8 engine, hood scoops, low profile wide tires with fancy rims etc. I asked and he had simply junked all the factory parts. He couldn't understand why no one wanted to discuss his masterpiece.

My personal opinion is that the authenticity ruler is often applied at to low a point, but it does need to be considered. At some point you need to consider the impact on the legacy.

[edgarspencer]

Question. I have seen many posts on restoration projects to include a restock. I understand that the higher the grade of gun a restock may make economic sense but to what degree does grade have in the decision to restock a gun? Do you need to get above a DH grade in a Parker, or say an A grade in a fox to make it economic sense to restock???

Conversely, the higher the grade, the greater impact it has on collector value, at least I think it does. I agree that restocking an otherwise un-shootable gun is often what puts the biggest grin on your mug.
The choice in who does the work can mitigate, to some extent, any negative change in value, and the higher the grade, the fewer your choices are in who does the work.

[allen newell]

I have my grandfathers/ dad's 16 ga vh. I grew up with gun and still shoot it. So it has many fond memories. When my grandfather ordered it from Parker he had very specific dimensions made to it. My dad shot it. I shot it growing up but had to seriously adjust my shooting given the stock dimensions. My brother inherited it but seldom shot it. I asked him for it bit he would only agree if I paid him for it. Needless to say he's an asshole. In any event I bought it off him as I wanted to shoot birds with it and keep it in the family. But the stock just did t fit so about 12 yrs ago I had Larry DelGrego restock it to fit me. A yr later it was done. No regrets. One of my grandsons who shoots birds with me will inherit it. I shoot it occasionally on skeet at the club and when I do it brings back many fond memories of hunting it with my dad. God bless Parker Brothers for these guns.

[Dean Romig]

Conversely, the higher the grade, the greater impact it has on collector value, at least I think it does. I agree that restocking an otherwise un-shootable gun is often what puts the biggest grin on your mug.
The choice in who does the work can mitigate, to some extent, any negative change in value, and the higher the grade, the fewer your choices are in who does the work.


And, I would add that, to restock a high grade Parker, or any other make for that matter, simply because the original stock doesn't fit you well is the last reason a gun should be restocked... Go find a gun that fits you to your liking and keep a high grade gun as original as possible.





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[allen newell]

And I would add that restocking a Parker that's been in your family for many years but just doesn't fit you and you want to keep it in the family...go ahead and have it restocked to fit you and bring you many more years of enjoyment.

[Jim DiSpagno]

Allen, the difference, no matter the personal attachment, between a V grade at 4K and a Grade 8 at 25x as much is another matter. All day long replace the stock on a VH but if at all possible keep the grade 8 as original as possible

[Daniel Carter]

I have only re stocked one shot gun for a shorter stock for my wife and sons. The original goes back on for myself. I do not see a problem here, the original stock still exists so no value is lost. When sold the new owner has a choice of one or the other.

[Dylan Rhodes]

I think keeping the original stock helps, but depending on how valuable the particular gun is it’s maybe not be so simple to just put the original back on. I for one, would not even hazard the thought of trying to remove a restock on an A1, then put the original on. So many opportunities for the slip of a screwdriver or the slip of a hand to put you out thousands.

That’s an extreme example, but illustrates the point. You might need to pay someone to change it out, and your going to want someone you trust. It’s not a trip to the LGS

It takes value away in the form of inconvenience. IMHO. I will pay less if I have to do work to get the gun back to its original value state. Even more less if I have to find someone to do it for me.