Well, lets see, order a new Parker just for grouse. For me it would likely be a G grade 20 ga., 26 in. barrels, prince of whales grip and double triggers with upgraded wood. I might jump up to a D grade if the current engravers know what a setter on point and a grouse look like and can duplicate it on steel. It should weigh between 6-10 and 6-12. I would specify, not where it balances in relation to the pin but, rather, that 60% of its weight is between the hands. I would have it choked at .004 and .012. Also, because I am not sure where future regulations are going, I would specify that the barrels tolerate steel shot just in case the government takes full control of everything before I fire my last shot. Perhaps the barrels should be brazed together instead of soldered since I intend to practice alot at clays with it in the off season. Yes, I know it will probably cost in excess of $12,000.

Oh, I just awoke from my daydream and realized I already have just such a beast, or nearly so. A Parker repro at a fraction of the cost and as good a grouse gun as I have ever handled. Now where to spend the money I saved. Perhaps I'll take my setters down south for an old fashioned quail hunt - just to expand my horizons. My grouse gun should work just fine on southern gentleman bob!

I have often entertained the thought of the perfect grouse gun. I love the 16 ga( have 9 of them), but lately have been shooting 20 ga alot. I have never been bitten by the 28 gauge bug, but have a nice little Ugartechea (LCS) Grade 1, straight grip 28 ga, but dont shoot it much.
I have a lovely DHE 16 ga, O frame, straight grip, 26" cyl/mod, 6 lbs even, that on paper would be the perfect grouse gun, but doesnt fit me well without a slip on pad. I carry it only a couple of times per year. My GH 16 O frame damascus , I shoot better. I am thinking about opening up the right barrel to cyl, as it had its barrels cut to 27" before I bought it.
I bought an old VHE 20 last year with cut barrels cyl/cyl(26 1/2), loved it for grouse hunting, not afraid to beat it around the rugged, rocky hillsides of the Appalachians--would be even better if it had a st. grip. Newest addition, a little DS Lefever 20 shows great promise for the upcoming season. So for me, a 16 or 20, straight grip, 6 lb, and cyl bored is the perfect grouse gun.
The DHE 16 and VHE 20.

First off there is no such thing as the perfect Grouse gun. I have found the perfect gun is the one you don't own...yet. I have tried the following
Gunner's gun about as perfect as I'll ever get:)
VHE 28 28 inch bbls choked skt/skt straight grip DT
AAHE 28 (up grade) 26 inch IC/M and 28's M/F for the late season
DHE 20 26 inch straight stock IC/IC
VHE 20 26 inch straight stock SSt choked skt/skt
CHE 20 26 inch Damascus PG IC/M
CHE 20 28 inch IC/M straight stock
DH 16 O frame 26 inch Damascus IC/F
GH 16 O frame 28 inch Damascus IC/M
GHE 20 26 inch Damascus IC/M
H&H 20ga 26 inch IC/M

BUT IF I could order one from Parker it would be an AHE 28 straight stock, splinter, DT 28 inch bbls choked .004 and .010 on a OO frame. But after one season I'd be looking for something else...it's just the way thing are:whistle:

Rich, finding the perfect gun would sure take all the fun out of it wouldnt it. Actually, I probably have the perfect gun(s), but I am an imperfect shooter.

If I could order a new Parker and not worry about cost it would be a 20ga AHE ,straight grip, splinter forend and double triggers 30 inch tubes ,I/c and mod and weight about 6lb 4oz. 14 3/8-1 1/2-2 1/2 with 3/8 castoff, Ivory bead, skeleton butt plate and English walnut. Where do I order it ?

In retrospect, my perfect gun has changed over my 6.5 decades. In my midteens through my 20's it would have been a 12ga. AHE straight grip, SSBP, semi-bt, double triggers in 26-28", choked .010/.020. In my 30's it would have been the same gun as above only in a 20ga. When the big 40 hit, the smallbore bug really bit. This gun would be the same as the previous 2 were described only in a 28ga. with 29" barrels.
It's funny because Rich described my gun in his post but I think he left off the SSBP on his order.:eek:

The SSBP is a given..... I though everyone knew that:rotf:

OK, Rich, let's hear about the AAHE upgrade.

Bill you know about this gun, in fact you thought you knew who originally did it as he was from the east coast possibly Maryland.

Here are some pics Bill. Remember now???