Thanks Richard. I figured the same thing. I just haven't taken it apart yet to fix it. I'm pretty sure when I get it apart I'll be able to see where it's binding. I'll seal the wood up with MiniWax wood hardener while I have it apart. It binds very hard; you have to push the safety button against a tree pretty hard to get it to the off position. Dry it out for a day or two and it operates like butter again.

Richard and all,
My Repro had similar sticking issues. It seems to happen when it is very cold and the gun gets wet either from the elements or a shaking wet dog. When the action is broken, the first time it is pushed off of safe seems sticky, after that it is fine. The next time it is opened, again sticky the first time off safe. So after breaking, I work the safety off and on safe once. When the gun is dry, the problem disappears.
I know. I know. "Take better care of your guns...." But it's a gun.
Richard's explanation of the wood swelling around the rod seems to make sense.
Thank you all.
Steve Kleist Ely, MN

It has happened to a couple of "old" Parkers of mine and the usual fix is expanding the rod passage. If you really want to fix it, get a nice black (or camo) plastic stock.

Fred,

Who makes camo plastic stocks? I have an 0 frame 16ga DHE that I would like to put one on. Given the numerous frame sizes, I expect they must be at the very least semi-custom? Are they affordable, probably a simple CNC program to cut them out?

Robin, Looks like you have laid out the broad outline for the new Parker restock, especially for an 0 frame 16 DHE. As has been said, "build it and they will come, maybe".