I have a real AH circa 1890. Origianlly a 12 ga D6. Sent back to factory for 16 ga Acme barrels. Refinished stock (really nice), reblued TG and Butt plate. 30-40% original CCH. 95% blue on 16 ga barrels. I paid less then 20k for it. Not a perfect, 100% restored gun. Messed with a little (the refinsihed stock and reblue make no difference to me). Thus would seem to me you could find a nice original gun for same or less price.

I also have a well worn AH circa 1890. At one time I had the crazy thought of a full restoration by Turnbull. They wanted 10k just to recut the engraving! To upgarde a stock it would be 3-5K is my guess. The stock wouldn't be easy if your looking for correct grade of wood and then find someone who could do the right job. Would seem to me that it would cost a lot of money to do one yourself. I'd price the engraving first. When I got a price of 10k just to recut existing engraving, that was enough for me to just take it dove hunting and be happy.

I have anoth AH circa 1898. All original D6. Barrels 90%, CCH30-40%. You get the idea. I bought it for less then 20k. (I'm begining to think I have too many shotguns!!lol!)

I guess what I'm saying is 20k for a perfect fake AH is probably less then what it would cost to do your own Turnbull upgrade but you could find a nice real gun for less if you could live without it being brand new (and I think that's what owning an old gun is all about).

Just my two cents! Whatever you get, I hope you enjoy it.

Ray

Not everyone can afford $50,000 for an original A-1 Special in excellant condition and so there is certainly a place for a quality upgraded Parker since the main difference in the grade is in the engraving, finish, wood & embellishments, the quality of the basic gun itself being virtually the same. Charles Parker didn't know how to make a cheap gun IMHO.

Best Regards, George

This gun on WLM's site is a real beauty. Stunning. I'd guess it would be difficult to duplicate for $20K.

Just looked myself. That rascal is a beauty. I don't think the engraving is AH or better but I also don't think you could have that gun done for less then 20k. Still have to wonder about long term value when one just sold for 12k but if it hits your hot button who cares.

Kenny, sit down on my knee. Relax and fold your hands in your lap. OK, that is some gun you are looking at. Now take a look at the Hermsen engraving. (Is that how he spells his name?) Is that engraving up to your standards? This is a big question, because the engraving is the big part of the upgrade. Neil is a recognized engraver, but you have to like this particular work. The rest of the gun is easier to appraise. Yup, drive the price down as far as you can. That's about it. Write the check or don't.

Yes, thats what I use in Kansas and as my general go to gun. A well used, repaired many times 16ga PHE that does just fine if the dog jumps up and scratches the stock, I drop it in mud, it falls to the side in the truck. You sure you want to take a finely engraved costly gun in the rough and tumble world of wild bird hunting? What will happen if you step in a badger hole, fall and break the stock? I have a couple nice guns and I save those for well controlled situations or shooting targets.

Kenny,
How is the price of this gun in comparison to a similar reproduction A grade? I wouldn't guess there would be much difference. It's definately a beautiful gun, if you need someone to talk you into it, then make an offer. By the way, what's up with the recent interest in straight stock guns!? It's not like you!! Keep us posted.

Chris

Would someone be kind enough to post a link to the WLM gun in question?
I've tried to find it on their site but have been unsuccessful.

Thats one issue....I would need to hold this one and point it....get a good feel for it. It may not be what I want? I think I would prefer pistal grip stock...but I now have a SG repro 20 that Im shooting about the same as my pistal grip repro. That upgrade gun is eye candy....for a parker junkie....(-:

Here's the direct link:
http://www.williamlarkinmoore.com/pr...ls.asp?id=3065