Does not have the LDG in circle mark of DelGrego upgrade. Barrels are correct for a GH, see PS in circle. 3 is barrel weight, not grade, and no grade stamped at rear of right barrel flat.

Thanks for all the information. Rib photos are below.

SN's on guard, receiver and forend iron all match.

https://i.imgur.com/nWjGckcl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xzNm2Mtl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/wZSJbuFl.jpg

My total price was $4800 but my preference was a Reproduction just because I like newer stuff. OTOH I feel like I'm unlikely to find this configuration in a repro, esp. at a similar price point.

The Serialization book says 179839 is a 28" 20ga. V grade, but the book has been known to be incorrect in the past. The vent rib, shown in the GI listing is not of Parker origin. A gun of that SN range would not be stamped PARKER on the bottom of the receiver. What is the serial number stamped on the barrel lug? The buttstock might be Remington, but certainly not Meriden, where a 179xxx gun would have been made.
The Seller covered his butt by calling it a reproduction, but probably meant a reproduction of a GH skeet gun, and nothing more.

If you go to the "FOR SALE LISTING" above you can see the vent rib is after market.

I'm guessing this is the view of the rib desired.
As mentioned, the three SN's I found all match.

https://i.imgur.com/i2L1gnUl.jpg

It's not ideal but this slip-on leather pad got the LOP where I need it.

https://i.imgur.com/7vjvAOTl.jpg

You could very well be right Edgar, as there is no stamp for ounces with it I was likely mistaken and presumed the 3 was for the grade, being almost far enough to the rear I may have jumped the gun.





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Yup, IMO it is a DelGrego upgrade from VH to GH.
Those burds were most definitely engraved by Runge!!




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That's possible, but begs the question 'why only go up one grade?'. None of the rest of the engraving is much like a G grade, but those GI pictures aren't very good. Burds is a good moniker for Runge's (Bob?) birds. Any of the DelGrego/Runge upgrades I have seen have Larry's LDG in a circle (sorry for my poor photo)

Steve, As Reggie said, you really need to have a little more Parker knowledge. But it's your gun now, so have fun with it.

I dont think the gun has been upgraded. But it has been heavily modified from its original condition. The gun should be considered a shooter, and no more.

Those are IMO most certainly Runge’s birds.

Over the years I have been offered two different DelGrego GH upgrades. The difference is that the serial numbers of those two were not on Parker Bros. Records and of course were neither in the Serialization book.





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