Kevin did the barrel grow on the 28 ga or was the book wrong

When the question of your being a serious buyer comes into the conversation you simply respond ... "Of course I am, why else would I show a particular interest in a Parker?"

Richard, At first glance it looked like there was a piece of wood inletted into the head of the stock to cover a repair, but now I see the edge wear. I'm familiar with the story behind the gun and I have to say it's one of my favorite hand me down Parker stories. Some of my favorite guns come from my grandfather, nothing special, no Parkers but I like to carry them around.

Chris;

As I said, the SN book recorded the gun as having 26" bbls. as originally built.

Dean;

The "serious buyers ONLY!" command came from the dealer when I asked to take the forend off the gun and examine the rest of the gun. The dealer explained that he had the forend off one of his guns broken in half when the "inspector' put the forend back on the gun and used the (to me) "goose bump" method of whacking the forend back in place with the heel of his hand, breaking it in half. My intent was to check the SN of the barrels to see if they matched the rest of the gun, but of course lost interest at his command.

I must add that at no time did either Chuck or myself make any disparaging remarks regarding the discrepancies on any of the guns to the dealer, respecting the PGCA Code of Conducts caveats regarding inspecting any Parker; never cut another's gun down as to originality or pricing, nor specuulate as to pricing vs. relative worth either as a shooter or as a collector. These particulars were laid down years ago as to the conduct of PGCA members examining Parker Guns, and we were careful to observe and respect them.

Later on, when I had checked the statistics in the Parker Gun SN book, I thanked the dealer, kept my counsel, and moved on.

I was most suspicious of the gun not having the original barrels on it when I saw the replaced extractor fitting as described earlier, but the owner objected so I did not do so.

So I get the picture we dont know what was wrong the gun or the book , most likely the gun .

Given the other discrepancies, my money would be on the gun.

My apologies
 

Gentlemen,
I did not intend to start a wild goose chase. I, too, noticed discrepancies with the guns but, not knowing if the seller was a member or friend of someone, did not want to disparage his stuff. Not handling them at all, I was reporting what I was told by the seller. Mainly, I had never seen the font used on the side markings and was curious. Sorry if I wasted anyone's time.

Joe

Joe,

You did nothing wrong. Both Kevin and I wanted to see the gun and make our own evaluation. You never know when you actually find that needle in a haystack unless you occasionally look for it.

BTW, both the stock book and the order book agree, 26" barrels, extractor gun.

Joe ,Most of the fun is in the HUNT !Thank you for letting us all in on the Parkers ! Russ

Joe;
Good job. That's what this Parker collecting and shooting thing is all about. No need for apologies. You just never know.