Questions about a Parker VH Vulcan 12 ga

[Leone Young]

Hello, I'm a newbie, but have been reading many discussion threads on this forum for awhile. I have some questions about a Parker that I currently own, and hope some of you may be able to help. Here are the specs that I was able to identify:

12 ga Parker VH Vulcan steel made in 1906
DT with extractors
LOP: 14 1/4" - front trigger, 13 5/16" - back trigger
Frame: 1 1/2
Barrels: 28 3/8"
Chamber: 2 3/4"
Chokes: Left Barrel - Mod, Right Barrel - IC
Pictures can be seen --> http://s1145.beta.photobucket.com/user/flamingoarms/library/1906%20Parker%20Brother%20VH

My questions are:
1. The barrels were measured at 28 3/8", which is a bit strange to me. I've read the FAQ section about identifying cut barrels and some members have encountered "odd" factory barrel lengths as well. My concern is that the barrels touch at the muzzle end and the keels have visible triangular metal filler strips without any visible evidence of tampering or soldering. Unfortunately, I don't have any tools to measure the bore diameter & length of chokes, but I had a gunsmith examined the gun and he said that barrels have not been cut. What do you think? Does 28 3/8" seem like an "odd" length for a Parker VH?

2. The gun shoots great and the mechanics are in great shape; however, there some cosmetic issues. The toe of the stock has some wood chipped off, and the original Parker butt plate is broken. I have purchased a "aftermarket" butt plate from Connecticut Shotgun Co almost 2 years ago, but have not tried to mess or install it. Therefore, I'm wondering if they are a critical factor that greatly depreciates its overall value, and what would you do, would you fix these issues (hone down the toe/new butt plate/modern recoil pad) or leave it as is?

3. Based on the pictures provided, what do you think this gun might be worth today? My concern is that Parker guns have a wide range of values, and I'm not an expert here, so I'd like to know the estimated value that people would be willing to pay for this gun given its current condition as is.

Lastly, I understand I could purchase a research letter and question #1 would be answered easily that way, but I'd still like to know your opinion based on your knowledge and experience. :) In advance, thank you very much.

[Bruce Day]

clearly chopped end barrels

[Dean Romig]

I agree with Bruce - they have clearly been cut. If they had been cut by the factory there would be steel keels on place in the triangular spaces between the ribs and barrel tubes but there is only solid solder where the keels should be.

[Brian Dudley]

Leon,
Thanks for posting about your VH. Overall, it looks like a fine gun which would be classified as a hunter/shooter. The number one thing putting it in this category is the shortened barrels. They may have been cut in order to open up the chokes. This was done by many people in the past. Or maybe an easy fix to muzzle damage. A couple other issues that I see that would detract from the gun is some misaligned screws, and lack of metal finish on the frame. The forend and latch have been blued which is not correct. However, the inside of the iron was not blued and retains very nice original colors. This points to the other parts being cold blued at some point.
The buttplate can be replaced without too much trouble. Might need some fitting in the spur area and on the sides for sure. At least the amount of wood damage on the toe is very minimal. That original plate could even be repaired nicely.
Other than that, the gun looks like a nice sound shooter.
Value for resale will be strictly determined by what some would be willing to pay for a VH with cut barrels and some other cosmetic issues.

[edgarspencer]

For a long time, 30" barrels by all but the waterfowl shooters were considered out off vogue. A 1 1/2 Frame 12 is a pleasure to shoot, and you've still got respectable, and usable chokes for walk-up and upland hunting. If you think you paid too much because the barrels aren't original, just change your perspective and tell yourself you bought it a little too soon. Looks like an honest shooter and you'll enjoy it.

[Pete Lester]

The Serialization book says your gun was orginally equipped with 30 inch barrels.

[Jerry Harlow]

My guess is, with the clearly odd-ball length, someone cut off the damaged section and kept as much as possible. If it was done to open the chokes they would have probably been cut back to 28" even or 26" for a true cylinder and cylinder.

[Harold Lee Pickens]

I agree with Edgar, it should be a great shooter. One of the guns I shoot the best is a Savage Fox Sterlingworth 16 ga that the barrels had been cut to 26 1/2 in. The stock is not original either, but is a much nicer piece of wood than the original forend. I new all this when I bought the gun, so I didnt overpay. It and my VH 16 are my go to bird guns. Shoot it and enjoy!!

[Bill Murphy]

Fitting a repro buttplate is a real pain. I would glue that broken piece to the stock and the rest of the buttplate. Make it a permanent glue job because there is no reason to remove a buttplate on a Parker. It looks like a great Parker for all around shooting.

[Mark Landskov]

Bill makes a good point on the buttplate. I am very partial to Brownells Acra Glas. A small kit will give years of repairs for the average person. Acra Glas has saved untold numbers of firearms and assisted in their resurrection! Here is a link. Good Luck!

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/stock-work-finishing/stock-bedding-adhesives/acraglas-gel--prod1038.aspx?ttver=1

[Andy Kelley]

Leon to answer your question on value as a shooter; I have seen similar guns go for 1200 to 1500. The gun will be a great shooter and give you many years of enjoyment. I think if you find yourself woodcock hunting in alder hell ...the shorter barrels will be easier to manage than the original30" .good luck with it and thanks for posting the photos.andy

[Leone Young]

Thank you all very much for the help! I was wondering about the barrel length for the past 2 years... I'm not a gun expert, just a normal Joe who likes to shoot clays occasionally, but I think it is a good shooter as well. When I first got the gun 2 years ago, I'd put about 10 low-pressure shells through it to test it out, and the gun functioned great. It was then cleaned, oiled, and stored away, and I haven't shot it since then, and it's only been taken out from time to time for some silicone cloth treatment. In case if you were wondering about the butt plate, I didn't break the butt plate myself:nono:. Long story short, the butt plate was broken when the gun was shipped to my FFL (either by the seller or UPS, I'm still not sure), and the insurance claim was declined by UPS. Thus, I purchased a repro butt plate right after I got the gun, but since I'm not a gunsmith and it is not my "go-to" gun, I've never been extremely motivated about fixing it.

However, I do have a lot of respect for Parker guns due to its reputation, quality craftsmanship and strong tie with our nation and its history. This gun has been stored away for a little over 2 years, and it is not right for it to sit inside a safe. Thus, I'm thinking to sell this Parker soon. I feel it should go to a nice home where Parker guns can be truly appreciated, and the next owner can decide on what to do about the original broken butt plate.

I understand the proper way is to become a member of PGCA and post a for sale ad in the member only forum, but I'm thinking to auction off this gun on GB because it is a shooter, not a collector grade. Anyway, I don't sell guns as a profession, but I did look up the bluebook, I think $725 would a good starting bid price, and IMHO the current condition is far more above 10% per bluebook's definitions, and there's no crack/split and the stock is not pinned... What do you think? Is $725 a reasonable starting price for this gun?

Again, thank you all very much for the help!