Parker Gun Collectors Association Forums - Auction mistake, I think?

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Auction mistake, I think?

Recently purchased a 1899 DH 12 Gauge with 26in Damascus Barrels on auction. Condition wasn’t pristine which I was fine with as I planned on using it to pheasant hunt. Upon picking it up and referencing the Parker book the barrels have been cut. The book says it came from factory with 30 inch barrels. There also appears to be some pitting in the barrels as well. Do I cut my losses? Do I have options of fixing it? What’s a fair value of something like this now?

( I will upload some better pictures tomorrow )

That rib looks compromised I wouldnt stick much more money into I would have a hard time paying over 500 . Can you return you didnt say what type of auction.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Huffman (Post 439199)

That rib looks compromised I wouldnt stick much more money into I would have a hard time paying over 500 . Can you return you didnt say what type of auction.

Estate auction. I don't believe i am able to return it.

The pitting, if not overly bad, is probably not worth worrying about. As one member here told me long ago, "I've had pits a gopher could hide in.") As to the cut barrels, you are SOL. With 4 inches gone, there is probably no choke left, and you might get a 45% IC pattern at best. Only the patterning board will tell. So you have a classy 30 yard pheasant gun. If all your hunting is over pointing dogs, you may be OK. If you're kicking them out at 30, not so much. Somebody that wants a 7 1/2 pound quail gun might buy it, but will want it for less than you probably paid for it. Facts of life. Sorry.

Some of the best field guns I’ve hunted had cut barrels. You just never know.

Buyer beware. Always

Mike was referring to my VH that Sherman Bell blew up. The barrels had 2" cut off and was pitted badly. They blew at over 31,000 psi at the breach where the dolls head screw and extractor rod met. Cut barrels can be surprisingly effective. Other than the barrels being cut your DH is a beautiful Parker. Every now and then you will find a set of unmolested barrels your frame size to add to the DH's usefulness.

The barrels are cut for sure. That alone of course does not make it not functional. But it can make or break something being a good buy or not.

I have done that too...been surprised when I open the box after I won an auction. I think it is why when I sell or trade something I list every imperfection as I have been surprised/disappointed too many times.

In fact not too long a ago I bought what I thought was an early hammer 12ga. and it turned out to be a 10ga. Everything was so nice about it I decided to keep it. Or another time when I asked about the condition of the bores and was told they're good for it's age and when I got the gun there was a hole in the left barrel 6 inches from the muzzle.

You can certainly shoot your DH as is and if the stock fit's you I would be on the hunt for another set of 30" barrels. That's what I would do, if the gun fits you well, finding another set of barrels would be my goal(and that is not as hard as it sounds).

Quick Edit: Paul, what frame size is it? I have an orphan set of 12ga. 30" Damascus 1 frame barrels that might help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Oliver (Post 439220)

Unfortunately it’s a size 2 frame otherwise I’d be a buyer on those. Was wondering if it was worth trying to find or if I even could find another set of barrels.