New Parker Owner, Almost
 

Hi Everyone, this is my first time posting here. I recently was given the opportunity to purchase what i believe to be a Parker GH in 12 gauge for what i feel is a decent price. The gun has one stock issue that I'm confident can be easily rectified. I'm not sure of the barrel material but i cant find anything that tells me its damascus.It could be but I'm no expert on Parkers. I own several doubles and will take my love for them to the grave with me. I'm hoping I posted the photos properly and someone can give me some insight on this gun. It's actually very light for a 12 gauge and will be used for grouse hunting. The chokes are I/C and a tight full.

Looks like a grade 2 or GH grade. The wood fit to metal isn't very good so I am guessing it has been re-stocked at some point. The forearm looks to have been re varnished as well. Not sure about that stock, but I will let the real experts chime in. Oh and the legend on the barrel rib should ID the steel type, but they appear to be fluid steel. I encourage you to join the PGCA. There is a wealth of knowledge among the membership that you can tap into that far exceeds the cost of membership!

If you posted the serial number we could look it up and identify the barrel material. I'd be careful with this one considering the condition of the stock. I'm in Jefferson, and if you're local we could discuss this further...or shoot me a PM.
Austin

The price would have to be very low for the work that needs to be done on this gun. I have two guns for sale on the members only forum one's a G like yours and the other is a D and they have no issues and they are $2100 and under. If your a member you can see the for sale section and that will save you the membership fee in it's self..

Welcome Dan! It looks like a fine gun that needs some attention to the stock. I am a big fan of G grades. I hope you consider joining PGCA

I will attempt to get the serial number tonight. The price is $800 which i thought wasnt bad for something I most likely will only use for the occasional vintage clays and grouse hunting. Not saying theres no chance id restore it.

Is there no stamped message on the rib that will give you more information? The stock damage would keep almost anyone from being interested in this gun.

The serial number is 17230 and the barrels are marked “Special Steel”. The stock damage is only a chip, it does not appear to be structural.

Do all the serial number match up. The one on the barrel flats with the one on trigger plate and fore arm?

Yes I believe so

Don’t know your name but I like the engraving on your G.

My name is Dan and I haven't forked over the cash yet. Waiting for some advice on whether its worth it or not.

You are missing a digit in that serial number.

Based on the little that i see, the stock is pretty messed up on that gun. And the issue surpasses a simple “chip” as you describe. It appears to me that the gun has suffered previous damage that was repaired and then has partialy failed a second time. It has been heavily varnished and also incorrectly recheckered.

As to the price... you can usually get a sound GH without these stock issues for the same price or not much more. However, your gun is a Fluid steel gun, vs. Damascus. Which would drive the value up some. It looks like a pretty early gun for fluid steel, but without the complete serial number, it is hard to confirm. It also could have been rebarreled by the factory if it is an earlier number than typical for Fluis steel GH grades.

You think I could pick up a sound GH for under $1000 ?

A damascus gun for sure. A damascus GH 12g is one of the most commonly found Parkers out there.

A word of advice. Dont just buy the first gun that comes along that happens to be in your budget. The issues it may have will end up costing you more in money and headaches in the long run. Another gun is always right around the corner.

And, it is always a good idea to wait and maybe even save up a few more pennies and buy the right gun, even if at a higher price than you want to spend.

So I should leave this one on the shelf at $800 ?

Your Gun $800
REBLUE BBL WITH NO METAL REPAIR $350 (Now I see Brian has identified as Damascus so $400-$500 and a longer wait due to limited craftsmen)
RECUT CHECKERING $300
REFINISH AND REPAIR STOCK $500

IF NOTHING ELSE WRONG $2000+/-. And it will be a reworked gun which you will never recover your money from.

A Parker GH you could be proud of just listed for members to see, ironically with the same chokes, in the Member's Only section and from a member who has honestly described the gun with ALL the important data and a history. Cheaper than the above nightmare. I just saw it also appears to have "unturned" screws. Worth more than a couple hundred dollars at least on a restoration.

Once you become a member you can see guns to buy from another member and sleep at night and not have buyer's remorse.

I'd walk away from this one. I also do not think you will find a "no issues" 12 gauge GH for under 1,000.00 but I've seen many at between 1,200.00 to 1,400.00 that are way nicer than this one.

You guys are great. Glad I signed up. Maybe I can find a nice one at the Northeast SXS.

Damascus?
 

Is “Special Steel” Damascus?

No. Special steel was Parkers name for the fluid steel that was installed on G grade guns.

Dan, it would be noce to meet you at the NE. Make sure to say hello.

Ok, because B. Dudley said it was a damascus gun for sure. I just want to clarify, I'm not doubting anyones knowledge or arguing. What would be a good price on this gun? Anyone have any thoughts? I could alays make an offer. He originally wanted $2500. Laughable, I know.

I meant that you could find a damascus g grade for $1,000 or less, for sure.

My Bad
 

I understand and i apologize. I obviously didnt read it right. What would you say the gun is worth. I would basically just like to make it functional and use it for a grouse gun and occasional vintage clays gun. I wouldnt restore it.

I looked at your website and have no doubt you are the person to get advice from. Will you be attending the shoot at Hausemans in June?

I said in a previous post that I will see you there. See you there.

Thank you Sir, Ill try to remember to contact you the week of. Will you be a vendor?

YES!!!

Will you be selling any guns or just restoration services ?