English Stock
 

Does an English stock increase the value?

What does "English stock" mean?

If it means a straight grip, I'd say it doesn't on the hammer Parker Bros. guns where a pistol grip cost extra, but by the time of the hammerless Parker Bros. guns with the pistol grip being "standard" and straight grips being probably less than 10% of production they do command a premium.

Thank you for a quick reply. I have a DH 16g made in 1911 w/2 bbls 28" & 30". I have an offer of 9k.

I'd pay more for a straight grip stock on any gun. I think recent sale information would substantiate that preference, too.

Here is an English stock:
Attachment 117979

Attachment 117980
I also have a Parker with a straight grip.
;-)

When I visited New England Arms in Kittery Point, ME back in 2001, their salesman, Steve McCarthy, told me that a straight gripped Parker typically will sell for about $1000 more than a pistol gripped Parker of the same grade. Reason: Rarity, as he estimated PG outnumbers SG 10:1.

I think, unless the gun in question was very high condition and otherwise desirable, Steve’s estimate of $1,000 is a bit of a reach… JMHO





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These are "English stocks" too --

Attachment 117983

They are rarer, but the value is only effected if the buyer likes Straight grip stocks and wants to pay a premium.

I love the straight grip stock on my SA SBT. Although not the typical choice of trap shooters, it works pretty well for me.

Straight grips are more prevalent on the higher grades. SG's were on 18% of the BH Damascus guns and 30% of the Acme barreled guns. It appears straight grips became more popular in the later years of production.

Personally I do not care for a straight grip and would pay more for a pistol grip with all else being equal. I have a handful but if it were not for some of the unique traits they possess I would have little interest. I may be in the minority but I am not alone :)

I just love straight grips, especially on smallbores. But then again, that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

Exactly !

Up into the 1930s straight grips were the norm on trap and pigeon guns --

Attachment 117989

Attachment 117990

Attachment 117991

Attachment 117992

Attachment 117993

I like chocolate and vanilla!:rotf:

So do I Gary. Especially when mixed in a soft serve cone.

And heeeeeeeere we gooooooo......

https://youtu.be/hkM9VdOcjGA

with nuts

"Lite" beer is not an option. May as well drink H2O.

I do not dabble in “English” guns, but I will pay a premium for a Parker with a “straight grip.”

-Victor

Victor, no Eurotrash!! :rotf:

Murica!

-Victor

Darn straight!! 🤣

A Straight Grip 20 Bore
 

While I am not a fan of the straight stock guns there are configurations such as a 20 gauge with factory 2 7/8 chambers (letters) and 32" Titanic tubes that tend to lure me in :)

This one being a 1903 DH, likely engraved by William Gough.

Ugh! A straight/splinter on a 20! You'd better get rid of that (and I'll be glad to help:))

Beautiful gun Randy!…or should I say Magnificent!!





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I will keep that in mind Garry should the mood for downsizing hit me. As of today I am still taking nourishment freely and unaided but you never know :rotf:

Now Randy you know I get first option on those!

I've owned a mix of straight and PG guns over the years, and have developed some specific tastes in such.
To me, a straight grip is best on light field grade guns, with double triggers. I'm not a fan of mixing straight grips with beavertail fore ends, and single triggers.
Just my opinion, and mileage varies.

In my best Randy voice' "What would it take for you to let go of that?" :rotf::rotf:

Right now it would take something that I really want. Not really in a selling mode at present but I could/would always consider a trade for something special. What is something special would be the obvious question. Honest answer is I wouldn't know until I saw it, really :rotf:

My knuckle dragging lawyer buddy, who has mits to match, tasked me with finding something that would 'fit' him, knowing I often visited the shops stocked with double guns. I found him a straight stocked, 32" C grade with a 15+ inch LOP, but had reservations he would turn up his nose at the splinter fore end. He met me the following Sunday evening at the Hartford Gun Club, where he nonchalantly proceeded to diesel smoke 50 straight. I noted, with some initial concern, how he would grip the front end. He held it between his thumb and index finger, like a lady would hold a fine cigar. My account balance suddenly went to zero.

TTT