Brad, if my blued 28 gauge had an original stock, I would probably submit to a refinish of case colored parts. I just can't face a freshly redone Parker with a non original stock and forend.

I really like the look of a blued receiver-on a Winchester 21...

Winchester 21's where blued, charcoal blued. Also, a case hardened receiver, yet surface hard will still rust if not protected with a layer of oil and out of a humid environment. It is not protective as bluing is.

John:

I was, as a novice in the art of collecting SXS, just speaking of the aesthetics (vs. the chemistry), and noting that I pay a lot more for a higher-grade Parkers with the exact same condition as VHEs.

I just like case colors over blue/black guns...

Best,

Patrick

I appreciate the discussion my question has raised. I believe Brad is in line with what I'm thinking. So the the question is: Do I harvest my hay in a hot pink tractor, or do I correct something some one did quite some time ago? My wife can pull off hot pink. I really can't. It sounds like at some point bluing was an acceptable method of preservation, as there are a few out there. I would imagine given what I found under the bluing on my shotgun that there would be fewer Parkers in good condition if they hadn't been blued. Thanks for all the input.

if she a shooter the blued frame will keep her from rusting..i have a coupla blued frame guns to bad but when i shoot a dove or asquirl i never notice the blueing at all...charlie

We had a fairly decent VH 16 gauge in the shop a couple months ago that had a blued receiver . The stock also needed refinishing . It was part of a collection we sold for someone . Think there were six Parker's in the lot I got two and all but one are now gone . That VH 16 is one of those that went and I kinda kick myself for not scooping that one up as well !

I'm with you Charlie. This old Tom never even noticed the blued frame on my VH 20 gage.

Your gun Jeff, and your choice. I sent a 1913 Fox to Dan May that had been blued to check an old stock repair. He strengthened the repair and removed the blue from the receiver leaving a remarkably authentic aged gray appearance. I should have inquired as to the technique.
http://www.classicgunstocks.com/

Larry- Nice Tom!! Jeff