Thank you Brian for the offer to meet and evaluate my gun. I do think it may need some stock work. And can case colors be "recovered" or replicated without compromising the gun integrity and value?

I see you phone and email on your site and can further contact you fairly soon to meet.

Regards,

J.Smith

I've attached a few more pics comparing the two barrel sets and forearms. There are some subtle differences in the engraving of the two forearms. This suggests a follow-up purchased of the second barrel which I suspect was the 30"

I am curious what size barrels were offered with these guns, especially lengths over 30". Does it look possible that this 30" was cut as well since the barrels don't "kiss" each other at the muzzle? And, oddly the barrels of the 23" DO "kiss" which was how I thought you determined barrel cuts.

And the barrel wall of the 23" is much thinner (and dented slightly) suggesting these were bored out (Open).

I also noticed the forearm of the thirty inch is slightly longer in length. You also can see the bead of the 23" very close to muzzle end.

Interesting to speculate what may have gone on here but seems the gun likely went back to Parker at some point. Sure would be nice if there were records and I read where a gun that was returned for work might be more likely to have a paper trail.

From what the Research Chairman posted, It doesn't sound like I'll get much?........ or should I order a Research letter anyway??

Ok. I have one.

It's a nice looking gun, as others have noted.

No, you cannot improve the case colors without compromising the gun's value.

My opinion, from the pics, is the butt stock has seen some repair/resanding/refinishing. It's too clean and smooth and dent free as compared to the forend wood (which looks original). It also looks like there could be some wood filler behind the right side lockplate.

It's also probably just a plain case of someone having a second set of barrels added (or the gun was bought new with two sets). Since one set is 23", it's likely the 30" tubes were bought to remedy the cutting of the tubes that became 23".

I strongly suggest the research letter. I was pleasantly surprised with the info it detailed about my fathers gun. Sometimes you get more clues than answers. Keep searching.