Back when I was in the stocker cattle business and buying cattle there was an old cattleman saying that the money always runs out before the cattle do. The same applies to Parkers the money runs out before the guns do.

Here’s what I would do if I were in your position and just starting to figure this out. I would go to the members only section and log onto the Want To Buy forum. I would post I want a VH 12 gauge “shooter”, number 2 frame, with 30” barrels. I think you will have a much better chance of getting shooter from one of our guys than taking your chances at a gun show or online auction. Gentlemanly full disclosure about a guns issues is typically the norm here. Once you have gained more savvy with Parker’s you will know what to look and lookout for. The gun I described will be reasonably priced (in Parker terms) if a shooter and on a number 2 frame will be very sturdy. That, to me, is the safest course of action to get a good gun and start shooting. Keep us posted how things work out.

I totally agree with all that has been said here. For the sporting clays game a 12 will certainly serve you better. Be very careful on the stock fit as was mentioned before. If you have been shooting modern guns you will find many of these old guns have a lot of drop at the heel and will cause you problems. Some adjustments can be made such as bending the stock but seldom much more than 1/4". I can't shoot anything lower than 2 1/2" drop at heel so that leaves a lot of these guns out for me but will diligent effort you will find a gun that fits you and you will enjoy shooting. Half the fun is in the search. One other thing. Don't leave out the Parker Reproductions. You get the benefit of the look and feel, in a higher grade gun, with modern dimensions. Just my two cents worth.

I would agree with most of the advice given here but unless you plan on loading heavy for waterfowl or turkeys I would recommend a 1 1/2 frame twelve or a 1 frame sixteen to start out with, and these slightly lighter guns are perfectly strong enough for waterfowl and turkeys... Just my $0.02 worth.






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Thank you folks for offering me all the advice. I did notice the Southern was this upcoming weekend. A big maybe for me. I do use a 12g Beretta for the clay games now, but I'd like to use a Parker sxs for that added fun. I heard of special events on some clay courses involving sxs's. It was general banter before I found the motherlode of information here.

I will take my time learning and viewing Parkers. Thank you all once again. Thank you Mike Franzen for the particular gun suggestion.

My goal in any shotgun clays event is to have a good time. I'm aware of how many cows are left when the money runs out. Thank you. If I think ten thousand dollars I'm sure there's a ten thousand dollar gun nearby. If I think eighteen hundred dollars they'll be an eighteen hundred dollar gun nearby. If I think ninety five thousand ... Those are terrific spreads.

You've offered a lot of information to think about. Let me go see how far the Southern is for me. Maybe next year?

16 gauge is the gauge I'm looking for at this time.