Lot of good Parker shooting central Va. Get in touch if you want some info.

You SW Virginia fellows ever shoot Summit Springs ? Do some business out your way. Be easy to carry a Parker along.

Bill

Bill,

I haven't shot there yet. I'd love to shoot down in central VA. Please let me know what is going on there. I'm been taking my dog (Jefferson-English Springer Spaniel) out at Shady Grove to shoot over him. I miss the days when I could run over to Craig, Bath or Allegheny County for Grouse with our old Springer.

Ken

Serial number question
 

Can someone please help me with identifying my gun? I put the serial number in to order the research letter for my gun but it came back that my serial number wasn't recognized. Clearly I know that I have a 12 gauge VH with full/full chokes but would like to know the history. The serial number is 208676. How disappointing if I couldnt get the research letter for my first Parker. Thanks.

you know its a VH 12, and you think it is all original. 30" barrels are a normal size and they are full/full so it's very unlikely they have been altered. The Stock is pinned - so again - likely the original.

what other identification are you looking for. even if records did exist, the only other information you would probably get for a V would be the dealer it was shipped to.

sounds like a nice gun to shoot and enjoy

Rick,

Thanks, I guess I was more interested in the letter than anything to authenticate it through the association. I also wanted to be sure the chambers were 2 5/8 and this gun is also able to shoot 2.75" shells. I did purchase RSTs in #6 and #8s in 2.5" shells. I typically have AAs in 12 and 20 for the B guns and if RSTs weren't available, that I could turn to the AAs if need be.

The interesting thing with this gun is that the left BBL is .37 and the right is .38. That seems backwards to me. I realize the VH is the entry into the Parker world but it's my first. I like to know ALOT about things that interest me.

Anyway, thanks for bringing back from the edge. I'll survive. LOL

i expect the chamber won't be shorter than that, its possible they were lengthened - the only way to tell the length for sure is to have them measured.

no harm in wanting to know it all -

Ken;
If the barrels are in sound condition you will have no problems shooting 2.75" shells through it. If you don't handload, shoot the lowest pressure, payload you can find. 1oz. to me is a heavy load anymore as I shoot 3/4oz. loads in my 12's, 20's and 16's. Easier on that cracked stock and your shoulder. There is some readily available 7/8oz. factory stuff out there that's real mild too. Enjoy and don't make this your last Parker. (I bet it won't be).:)

Daryl,

Thanks. I was planning on using 1oz because that is what I have but I know AAs come in 3/4. I don't plan to do it often but when I do, I'll do it. Both barrels ring nicely and bores are bright and clean. I've had several people tell me I can open the chokes up but I'm going to leave this gun alone.

I see your from MD. I am torn between upland or a goose gun next. I hunt quite a bit out in Chestertown. I couldn't think of anything better than taking my two birds with a Parker instead of my Benelli. My springer would prefer an upland gun I'm sure. This VH won't be my last.

Ken

Howdy Ken,

Welcome to the PGCA! My Brittany went to school at Shady Grove. Wonderful folks as is here. These gentleman's advice is priceless. But, beware, the Parker bug is highly contagious.

Larry Mason
King George, VA

Larry,

Jefferson and I hunt there about six times a year. Neil runs a great facility and Sharon is great with training. The fields they have are larger than most preserves and the birds fly well early. With my dog, the more birds the better. I'm still trying to figure out how I can do a hunt with my gun there without exploding the birds. I'll just have to wait a little longer and of course the better solution is to buy a Parker in 20 gauge. LOL.

I went out to shoot sporting clays today with my parker and browning. There's no question that this gun kicks like a mule and the chokes are tight. It took some getting used to but I enjoyed shooting it for the first time today. Thanks!