Good pictures sell and Puglisi's photographer does a great job of taking pictures that do just that.

I have to ask Brett, what is your budget, what exactly will you be using this gun for and why a 2-bbl. set? (i.e. Will you use it as a hunting gun (upland birds or ducks), target gun, collectible gun, versatility, etc.)

The price on this 12-ga. BHE, in this condition, seems inline, perhaps with a little wiggle room for the dealer negotiating a cash outright or trade-in deal, that you'll find most dealers asking. This is their starting point, not necessarily their selling price. Having said this and without trying to offend anyone who's in love with this configuration (PG, BT, SST) this gun IMHO would be the least desirable of any configuration that Parker Reproductions were available in. Personally, I much prefer a straight grip, but I can live with a pistol grip in a target gun. In either case it must be equipped with a splinter forend and double triggers. :whistle:

If you're looking for versatility, a Parker Reproduction Sporting Clays Classic would be my nominee for the most versatile Parker on the planet. 3" chambers, chrome lined bores and choke tubes with the capability of shooting virtually any 12-ga. load offered today -- all in one compact package, makes it so. Add in the fact that there were reportedly only 125 SCCs produced, makes this particular model (dare I say?) rare and collectible.

With several real BHEs currently listed at $11k-$14k by a well-known (and expensive) dealer, I think $10k for a repro BHE is quite high. (Admittedly, I am not putting much value on the second set of barrels.)

-Victor

Wild Skies,

Budget; I would like to keep it under $10k; might go $15k for the right gun. I’ll use it for bird shooting; driven days in England, Doves, Chukar, Quail, Pheasant in Ca, Az, Baja. I hunt ducks too but not with this gun. :) I’d like a nice gun but one that wouldn’t break my heart if it was lost or damaged when traveling by air.

I like a pistol grip and double triggers. I need a LOP of 15.5in. This B grade gun has a LOP of 14.5. My other doubles measure about 14.5 to the rear trigger. My thought was to have double triggers installed which adds about 3/4 in. With a lace up pad it would be just about right. I do understand it would cost around $1200 to install the triggers, modify the trigger plate and case color.

I really don’t care about the second set of barrels.

A SCS would work very well for me - but I don’t see any for sale just now!

All the best;
Brett

Given your usage, I would recommend expanding your search beyond just 12-ga. guns, you might consider a small bore. Some say a 20/16 bi-gauge set is the mac-daddy of Repros. Others find a 28-ga. one or 2-bbl. set the ultimate lightweight weapon for 95% of their hunting and collecting needs. Many consider a 28-ga. Repro the jewel of all Repros.

The search is the fun part ... be deliberate, take your time, find one that meets all your wants without any alterations and then pounce on it ... they are out there!

Wild Skies,

I really love 16ga, but it’s got to be a 12ga for driven days. Arranging for shells is a little complicated. :)

Brett:

Are you dead set on a Repro? If so, why? If not, check out this beauty:

https://stevebarnettfineguns.com/par...bhe-12-gauge-2

I have no connection to this gun/sale. The price is probably negotiable and I think it is a much better buy than a $10k Repro BHE. It certainly gets my heart fluttering.

-Victor

The Parker Reproduction 20/16ga sets are, indeed, the mac-daddy of Repro’s :whistle:

Greg however, is correct. The Sporting Clay’s model cannot be matched when it comes to versatility, b/c it can be used for about everything.

You’re going to be hard pressed to get better advice than what Greg (and others) have posted. Take your time and don’t become overly anxious. The only other thing I would add to what Greg said, is that if you haven’t actually handled a DHE, or B grade for that matter, do so.

I have been been impressed with the engraving on the B grades repros. In my opinion, you are just paying for a beaded fence and fancy wood/checkering. Not worth it now.

All,

Thanks again for the great advice. I’ll keep looking. :)

Best;
Brett

I have what I feel is a very usable set in 12GA. It has 26" Q1 & Q2 (which is my favorite upland choking) and 28" IC and Mod. It is a straight grip with splinter forend and a single trigger that was "tuned" by Bachelder. It is a very nice gun and I feel very functional.