DH restoration question?
 

Hello everyone. I'm new here and recently bought my first Parker. It's a DH model and generally is in good shape but I think I would like to have it restored to as close as possible to how it left the factory. The gun has 28" barrels, the frame size is 1-1/2, it has an English straight stock and the engraving is in pretty good shape but the colour case has worn off over the years. Both stocks have been replaced at some point but I think I'll have it re-stocked. Is there a way to learn how the gun left the factory? I'm going to have Chris Dawe do the work for me when I'm ready but I would like to be able to give him the information he'll need for the project. Thanks guys for any help.

Ben

Pictures pictures and more pictures of all the vital areas.

It is likely to be a very costly endeavor to do all that you propose.





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A research letter is the best way to know anything about it. Chris will know what to do with the rest.

You will spend a lot more on restocking your gun than you probably paid for it. First time owners often take a gun and halve it's value. There has to be something special about the gun, before investing $3500 to $4000 in a DH, on top of what you paid. Simply put, that kind of expense is more than the difference between the cost of an average gun, and an above average gun.

I second the research letter comment. The OP did not ask our opinion of the economics of this adventure.

If the gun is shootable (fits you and is safe to shoot), I’d recommend giving this decision time. Your views may change about restoring guns. Mine did, and I have a regret or two. Hard to overcome regret.

I think he'd be lucky to have a stock at $4,000. I had a very well known "restorer" look at a 16g VHE for me. It was $11,000 for new stock, bluing, case color, tightening it all up, replacing screws, recut the metal engraving, basically make it "like new" Since I paid $2100 for it I passed hahahah. But I just had to know to see for myself what it cost. I then took it to a lesser known restorer who offered a new stock only, WITHOUT checkering or stain, done on a duplicator, for $5,000. That was NO metal work at all. Now I kill birds with it as it is and couldn't be happier. But I don't judge those who choose to spend that money, it keeps some folks employed.

That's true Dylan but he said he was new here and just in case he was unaware I was simply offering an opinion... no criticism and I never suggested the cost he should expect... because I don't know what that work would cost.:cheers:

Go to the PGCA home page first and search to see if there are records for your gun. If so, then order a research letter and you will find how it left the factory. Sometimes a lot of info, sometimes a little.

The cost of a restock can be staggering. That cost makes an adjustable comb even more appealing. :corn:

Bwahahaa Mike that's good. I'm trying to find the photo of the black synthetic stock you had put on your VH.

Thank you for all of your help gentlemen, I really appreciate it. I know to do everything will be expensive for sure. I might need to do it in stages. The serial numbers between the receiver and the forestock do not match and its in bad shape. Mechanically everything's seems to be in order, tight on face and the barrels ring true. I'm mostly looking for a nice gun for me that I can hunt with once in a while and still be a show piece in my collection. All of my other vintage side by sides are basic field models from Fox, Ithaca and Lefever. I thought a DH grade Parker was a higher grade gun and that's when I'm interested in restoring it.


Ben