1930 Parker Information Needed

[James Orzech]

I'm trying to find out any information for my 85yr old neighbor. His father gave him a 12ga Parker that he wants to give to his son. He needs to know what model, grade, frame and anything else someone might know about this Parker. It's serial number is 234251 and we know it was made in 1930. It has double triggers. He has removed the old recoil pad and would like information on where to purchase a reproduction butt plate. It measures 1 3/4" by 5" and has a slight curve to it. Mounting hole spacing is 2 5/8". I hope someone with a spec book can help us out. Thank You, James

[Rick Losey]

234251 is listed as a V grade 12 bore with 30 inch barrels, a capped pistol grip stock and no extras

there is a selection of repro butplates here -

http://www.csmcspecials.com/category_s/13.htm?searching=Y&sort=9&cat=13&show=100&page=2

they show up on ebay and I would bet a google seach would show many other sources

please post some photos - BTW the frame size is stamped on the bottome of the barrel lug

[Craig Parker]

James,

Book shows 12g VH cap pistol grip stock 30" w/ no extras. What type/brand of pad was removed and is there a peak on stock.

Craig

[Brian Dudley]

Yes, is there a spur on the top of the stock? Some had spurs and some didn't. You will need to know when getting a new one. If your stock still has a curve to it, then it most likely has not been cut.

The size of the buttplate would be determined by the frame size of the gun. They all vary by way of height. The frame size can be found on the bottom of your barrel locking lug. Will be a 1, 1-1/2 or 2.

Reproduction buttplates can be had from a few different sources, but many of them found are made by a company called "Vintage Gun Grips". They have a website, and you can order directly from them.

A replacement buttplate will usually require a little fitting.

[James Orzech]

There was no name on the pad. It is red rubber with a hard black base and was installed over 70 yrs ago. The stock is curved at the butt. There is no dog (spur) for the butt plate. The action body just under the barrel has the serial number 234251, a V and a VH. The barrel lug is stamped with a 12 and a 1 1/2. Under the left barrel are these markings,3RRW and under the right barrel are these markings, HT over A, a circle with a V in it, the number 3 15. Each barrel is stamped Overload Parker Bros Approved. The barrel rib is stamped Vulcan Steel.The lug to lock the forend has a X on it.

Are all replacement butt plates curved or does that need to be specified?

[Rick Losey]

thats a nice looking VH

[Brian Dudley]

Your gun looks to be very nice. It is a bit hard to tell. But it looks like your gun may have been restored by Delgrego in Illion, NY. This is due to the look of the case colors on your receiver.

Your gun is a 1-1/2 frame which should have the same dimentions as a No. 1 frame stock when it comes to buttplates. So, what you want is a No. 1 buttplate without a spur. Double check the measurements though with who you buy from.

And yes, all original Parker buttplates are curved.

[wayne goerres]

You might want to keep an eye on E Bay. watch under vintage gun parts, I've seen them fron time to time. You will also need to find the proper screws. The ones in the rubber but pad probable are not correct.

[James Orzech]

The gun has never been to a gunsmith or any shop except for the recoil pad that his father had installed many, many years ago. It has been kept by neighbor his whole life. He said he rarely used it. He preferred to use his 12ga Winchester pump. Thanks for all the replies

[Chuck Bishop]

James,

There is evidence that the gun was recase colored at some point in the past. Quite often people's memory fails them due to 2nd or 3rd party's involved and so long ago.

Is the barrel length 30"? There is normally about a 1/8" blank space from the end of the rib matting to the end of the rib.

You stated that under the left barrel there is 3RRW. This could be a Remington repair code but 3RRW can't be decoded. Please take a picture of the barrel flats and more pictures of all sides of the receiver.

Looks like your neighbor has a nice VH Parker.