Yup, if the gun is going to a gunsmith, let them address the lever. However, I have never broken a lever by bending it gently.

Okay, then now a new question, how many of you would have the rib re-layed on a gun that is otherwise in very high condition?

If the rib is loose , it needs to be addressed regardless of the overall condition of the gun.

A rib can come loose for many reasons on guns. Condition has little to do with the matter. I have removed loose ribs that had very little evidence of much solder in the areas where it was loose. Some factory barrels were not put together as good as the majority of them. It is just the fact of the matter.

There is also some bore cleaners that will desolve lead. And some people feel the need to use those solvents on the outsides of the barrels instead of just the bores. Well, they can compromise the soft solder joints if allowed to sit in the cracks along the rib.

And as I stated before, if you have a rib stripped and re-laid, the barrels will have to be refinished. Someone good with the use of flux and solder can do the job with little cleanup needed. But excess solder needs to be sraped off and those areas polished back with abrasive papers, thus leaving white metal.

If I was in love with the gun I would fix it. At $1600 you made a great buy on a 90% DH. BUT … now you have damaged goods that I believe you would have trouble getting that amount for it as is. Fixed up you will probably be in to it for around $3000 after relaying, re coloring, shipping, insurance, etc. look around and see what a 30" DH 12 ga is bringing that are in similar condition to yours. You were dealt a tough hand on this one. Keep us posted on what you are going to do.

Yeah, my Daddy used to say "That's the way it goes, first the money.....then the clothes!!"

No bid deal... Will just return to Meriden, with a note that says "Repair rib on 12 g DH, and adjust top lever". I will pin a 10 dollar silver certificate to the letter.

Would that it were so simple... and cheap.

Have you contacted the seller regarding the lack of insurance that was paid for? I would ask for compensation regarding the cost of the repair. Either way at the end of the day you have money tied up in a gun that you can't use. If you can't or don't want to return it for a full refund then I would have the barrels fixed and use it the way Parker intended. To leave it unusable is like having a 69 Camaro Z28 that you can't drive because it has a bad tranny.

I trust this is not some cheesy reference to Bruce Jenner....

Oh Hell no!! Just whats the point in having something that's broken but fixable and NOT having it taken care of.