.410 Parkers in Ronald Gabriel's Book
 

I recently picked up Ronald Gabriel's book, American and British .410 Shotguns. I'd not really been interested in the .410 beyond using one on squirrels as a kid, but the good Mr. Hillis' accounts of his dove hunting (and the encouragement of Steve Parker) resulted in my getting a nice, old H&H hammer gun with a set of .410 barrels.

Now I'm intrigued by Parker .410s. Gabriel's book has some interesting documented information on Parker .410s, including many upgrades.

Anyone familiar with this book and have any observations about it? Just curious...

Not surprisingly, I have this book, and have read it all (some parts twice!). It is a very comprehensive tome on .410 double guns. i go back to it occasionally to answer questions about certain make guns.

I consider it a keeper.

I have a Parker(VH 410) that is not pictured but is mentioned by serial number in his book. This is a good book to own if your interested in 410's that were offered by several different gun manufacturers. Also-shows alot of good pictures of rare 410's.

I was surprised at the amount of detail on specific guns, as John and Stan mentioned. It's an interesting book, especially if you happen to come across one of the documented guns in it.

I am constantly amazed at the research apparently done by Mr. Gabriel to write this book.

I agree, Bill. I thought someone here on the forum would know him and perhaps had collaborated with him (my first guess would have been you).

I have seen both of the Parker 410’s pictured in this book in the last 18 months in my hands. They are both truly exceptional specimens.

Proceed with caution in that book, Garry. Danger is lurking on every page.

:duck:

Now you are starting to sound like my wife!:)

Josh,
How about the Grade 7 Ithaca, did you hold that one also?

Stan

The Grade 5 its pictured with is not bad either.

Been there, done that, got that tee-shirt, too. :rotf:

I was looking through the book again today and did find a picture of my Parker 410 VH pictured on page 68(bottom gun) It is listed as a VHE instead of a VH. The picture of the gun is nice but not as good as the close-ups in the Parker Story-which show the beautiful case colors on the receiver. I also like the picture of the 5E and 7E Ithacas. I would love to see these two guns in person.

John, I looked at your gun. You are a lucky man!

Garry,
Be careful when looking at Parker 410s. You saw the results of my looking at Parker 410s at the annual meeting this year!

Jeff, I wake up with hot sweats and flashbacks of that beautifully engraved gun.:bowdown:

I bought a 410VH earlier this year and I am in love. It's a great shooter too. It's amazing what you can do with 1/2oz. of shot...

I refuse to go down this road guys......:nono:

The No. 7E .410-bore NID is pictured in the Eric Klein collection in the article in Garden & Gun.

The road beckons. Heed the call. :)

For me, the American "Classic .410-bore doubles" all have such heavy frames and breech ends of the barrels that it puts way too much weight between the hands and not nearly enough out front.

It looks like an interesting book. I found a copy at Gunnerman Books. They aren’t always the least expensive vendor but I get a personalized thank you from Carol Barnes. I appreciate someone that cares. It’s good to support the little guys. John

Carol is the best! I used to train dogs with her husband, who passed away too early

I could not agree more, John!

I received a copy of the book today. Looks very interesting. Thanks for the heads up.
John