My Conversation with Simmons
 

While at the Southern I missed the opportunity to talk to the guys at Simmons regarding their Parker barrel replacement project. I got the basics from guys who did speak to them, and also from the earlier thread here, but wanted to talk to them myself so I called today. My interest is in two sets of #1 frame 20 gauge barrels in 30" and 32" that would compliment the 12 gauge barrels currently on the guns. One is a D2 hammergun, the other a DH, both #1 framed guns, of course. The guys at Simmons were very helpful. They explained (which I knew) that they needed an order of 5 barrels sets to make it worthwhile. What I didn't know was that as long as the frame size is the same, they can mix hammergun and hammerless barrels in the same order. No problem. They do mark the barrels with their stamp to distinguish their's from originals. Fair enough. they will also profile the new barrels to match the balance of the old ones. They say they can also make the gun shoot 50/50, or 60/40, or whatever you want. Even better. All this and fitted and blued for $2,800. I can't help but think about the Wind River debacle that the LC Smith boys went through a while back. Some guy promised what he couldn't deliver. In no way do I mean to disparage Simmons, it's just that I have not seen their product yet. They are presently working on an order of #O frame barrels. I can't wait to hear about the final product. This sounds almost too good to be true. Is it?

Tom Carter and I met with them two weeks ago then last week Charlie Herzog and I met with them. We've supplied them with a sample 1 frame barrel and made available more and in other frame and bore sizes. We've sent the Parker specifications from Parker Pages and are prepared to help or provide any information they need. They can matt ribs by CNC machine that look like Parker ribs and can leave a blank space for the usual rib engraving, Titanic for D's, Vulcan for V's, etc. We've discussed muzzle endings, keels, breech broaching and choke profiles.

The company has the machinery, has been around for many years and it is hoped they will succeed. Its not a fly by night operation by any means, but Parker barrels are not easy to make. We wish them the best.

I should add that they are about 15 miles from me.

Ed, I should also add that we ( Charlie or me) can help on some barrel contours but not all. You wanted 20's on a 1 frame and neither of us have those. I don't have an O frame 16 either and one person wanted a set of 28ga on an O frame. In those situations, I would think Simmons would need measurements from members so they could draw proper barrel contours. They could guess and approximate what they should be, but they would be better off to have measurements from actual Parker barrels. You know that with 20's on a 1 frame, a forend made for 12's is not going to fit very well.

Bruce - Thanks for the insight on this project. I had not thought of the forend fit, but it makes sense. There's probably six other things I have not thought through either. We did talk about barrel contour yesterday, but more along the lines of getting proper balance.

Bruce ,I have a 16 Ga.,O Frame Barrel ,I am planning to send to Bachelders ,for Damascus restoration,Do you suppose they could take the measurements you speak of for Simmons ,maybe they wouldn't mind getting involved in this project ,Mine are from a DH Grade and they are near perfect cond. .,I also Have a 28 Ga. O frame ,but really wouldn't want to ship the barrels and take a chance of losing it to UPS or any of the others !I am hoping to attend the gathering at Pin Tail Point ,Does anybody know if Simmons will be there ,would be a great place to get the measurements ! Russ

Hello Russ. You know, it seems to me that this Simmons project, to be done properly, needs the input of Parker enthusiasts because we tend to be such picky SOB's and because Parkers have such complex detail. Simmons has said that they have been in contact with Brad Batchelder and they asked us about coming to the Annual Meeting/Vintagers and exhibiting there, which we encouraged. They are well aware, and Charlie expressed the point as only Charlie can, about the need to deliver when they say they will. I know they are presently waiting on a large shipment of barrel blanks.

So I don't know what to tell you right now but I will be retrieving a 1 frame 16 I left with them to take dimensions and will bring up the subject. Or you can call and ask.

Bruce ,I posted figuring Brad may see the post and possibly respond ,if he may be willing to get involved in the project , If Simmons is at the meeting ,I would think it would be a great place to get measurements and take orders etc. ,I completely agree with you a project such as this to be successful ,needs as much input and information that can be found as I am sure it will be a costly endeavor to Simmons to get it off the ground ,and the amount of customers is a limited bunch of folks in the Parker group !Im sure everyone would agree ,Quality and Guaranteed Delivery is essential in selling this product !

I don't think this is the last comment on the Simmons barrel project. More information must be included on other threads. Do any of the posters on this thread have further information to share?

I am hoping to attend the gathering at Pin Tail Point. (Quote)

What gathering are you referring to Russ? Did I miss something on here?

Daryl, check the date of the post. The meeting at Pintail point was a bit of a disappointment.