What to look for in a rebuild project?
 

I would like to try my hand at rebuilding a Parker. I'm thinking of either a 16 or 20 Ga..

I've done a fair amount of stock work, checkering, refinishing and mechanical so I feel somewhat comfortable.

Are there pros and cons on specic items that I should shy away from (too involved, too expensive, etc.). Also, is this a cost prohibitive undertaking--excluding my labor?

Thanks in advance for your replies and sharing your knowledge!

Paul my major concern with any project is the barrels ,you have nothing without them.

Nothing without good barrels.

exactly

most everything else can be fixed - with enough time and enough money

Good barrels with good bores. Minimal exterior flaws. Minimal frame pitting is a plus too.
A tight breech will make your amount of work a lot less.

no broken stocks , I won't by a gun with broken or repaired stock except for parts, I can deal with most other problems a broken stock no matter how well its repaired is still a broken stock,

Thomas has a 10 ga project gun listed in the for sale section pretty cheap. Maybe try your hand at something like that before getting into the higher dollar guns.

I respectfully disagree Paul. A professionally and properly repaired broken stock will never break in that spot again because the glue, when cured, is stronger than the wood.