refurb

[TimothySmith]

I recently purchased a VH parker and before I rush into a refur what should I do the stock needs redone what about rebrowning and case harding?

[Rick Losey]

i'll assume you mean a total restoration

how about some pictures, how worn is the wood and metal finish.

a shootable VH is unlikely to have any return on investment for a cosmetic refinishing.

[TimothySmith]

The stock is the only thing that really needs work except for one small dent in the barrell. The gun is tight. I just don't know if I should spend much on it. the barrells are clean and the browning is in good shape. Sorry I don't have pictures but the gun is at my home and I'm on vacation. The receiver has no scratches and looks to only need some cleaning.
Should I consider color case hardening.

[Rick Losey]

Others should chime in, but personally i wouldn't case color it,

A VH - what guage and barrel length is yours? A reblue with the dent removed is not that costly. And is the stock something you can do yourself? Steam out a few dings and a light sanding then hand rub an oil finish. If its tight with good bores you could have a good looking shooter at little extra expense.

[TimothySmith]

12 guage 30" barrells the stock is solid but need professional help. What should I spend including cost to not be under water on the gun. currently at 1,250.00

[Mark Ouellette]

Hi Tim,

I think that you are close to the value of a good VH 12 gauge 30". At most refinish the stock and perhaps reblue the barrels and have the dent removed.

The stock may clean up with Murphy's Oil Soap.

Go slow on your first Parker. Trust me, there will be plenty more...

PS: The PGCA annual meeting is in South Carolina this fall. Take the VH there, meet members and get their opinions.

Mark

[Brian Dudley]

Without photos of the gun, it is difficult to determine what the condition is as to tell if you might be under water on any restoration work.

[calvin humburg]

Why Pro. help on stock is it cracked?

[TimothySmith]

the wood is soild no cracks. I'll focus on the stock and forearm. From your comments I think I'll have too much in the gun.

[TimothySmith]

When is the annual meeting and where is it at in SC

[TimothySmith]

Mark

Thanks for your thoughts much appreciated

Tim

[Mark Ouellette]

Here's the link to the annual meeting announcement thread:

http://www.parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7418

[John Campbell]

Tim:
Just because you can't see a crack from the out side doesn't mean the stock head isn't split. I know this from long experience. And the VH is a prime candidate for splits. At any rate, an experienced hand should inspect and fix the gun. My bet is that with the wood off, there's a split stock head.
As another said, the amount you invest in a VH is rarely recovered. Fix it because it's a Parker -- and should be saved.

Best, Kensal