On a low grade Parker I want something that sets it off from the others - makes me want to hold it and rub its stock. Nice walnut with some figure or character all its own - the warmth and depth of a piece of wood that tells me that some thought was put into its selection by the stocker with the satisfaction of the customer foremost in his or her mind. A higher grade gun absolutely must have a distinctive piece of wood on it or the gun leaves me cold. That being said, wood that is 'over the top', having been applied to the gun so as to say "Look at me - I'm better that those other guns." leaves me cold as well. I guess what I'm saying is that it must be a thoughtful marriage of gun-steel and wood to complete the picture for me and Parker Bros. usually did it very nicely.

It's a little 16 ga. I think Remington was feeling the heat from the model 21. Blued frame, modest engraving if any, and beautiful wood. I think Winchester realized pretty wood sells.

In my group of hunting / gun trading buddies. We have a saying " Wood sells guns"

Simple & too the point. Jack Skuese knew it well !!!!

At least 70% of the guns I own, rifles and shotguns, I bought because of the wood. The other 30% are laminate or fiberglassed rifles.

I'm a sucker for a nice peice of wood, This is one of my favorites...:whistle:

http://parkerguns.org/forums/picture...pictureid=4749

That one is a keeper, for sure.

Paul, whats that piece of wood attached to?

My 28 ga Repro. Thank you Mr. Skusse.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...6/PA110002.jpg

That is my 28/410 Beretta, it has two matching forends. A real beauty.

16 ga VH, perhaps the perfect grouse gun:

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n...ckleftside.jpg