I'm of the mind that if the bores are salvagable that someone ought to step up and bring it back from the dead.Pictures often make the pitting look worse than it is and without someone looking at in in the flesh ,that does restoration, I would not be too quick to give it up as a lost cause.I'm thinking of the Optimus Lefever that sold last year that was given up for dead by many but was brought back to life.

I am going to have it looked at this weekend to see what kind of mess I am getting myself into

Just make sure that whoever looks at it is someone that actually does restoration and is someone that is on the "approved" list. Lots of guys out there that say they are "restoration experts" but couldn't correctly restore a hardware store clunker.Don't be shy about asking for references.Gun does not have to be made to look like new to be given a new lease on life and to seriously enhance the value.

It's Herschel Chadick in Terrell. He was referred to me by Bruce Day from here. I've heard very good things about him and he is closest to where I live. If someone from this site holds him in high regards, I will give him a go.

Mr. Chadick has certainly seen his share of Parkers but is not a gunsmith and I would take that into account when talking with him. He would certainly know of the men to talk to when it comes to doing any work on your gun.Just fixing the screws and cleaning the gun would add a lot and getting an evaluation of the condition with an eye to putting it back into shooting condition would be my first consideration.

I cannot for the life of me remember his gunsmith's name, but he is going to have him look at it as well. He is retired, but Mr. Chadick said he makes special exceptions for special guns. And my gun may be the case.....so I guess I'll see and take any advice that can be offered.

Dee, How close are you to Kerrville,Tx? Kirk Merrington is the best barrel man around and he hails from there. I have spent many an hour on the phone with him and he is a true gentleman. No one better to get an honest opinion from.

It shows to be a 5 hour drive from my place....too far for me :( Mr. Chadick's place is about an hour from me

I would liken this gun to a stage 4 cancer patient and suggest that you get a second opinion before doing anything,or not doing anything.High end gunsmiths are like top end doctors and some are more willing,and able,to take on the "hopeless" cases.The gun is important and deserves a chance if any chance is at all viable.

My visit with Mr Chadick is done. He said it definitely is a rare Parker (C grade with O frame). But will require a LOT of time to restore it...