Single Trigger Opinions
 

Thinking of buying a high condition 20ga ST PR. Understand many of them tend to "double". Any sense what odds are of getting a "doubler". Assuming the worst, is Bachelder Shop best in MI to correct?

The notion that many of them tend to double, IMO, has been blown way out of proportion. There has even been a story floating around for years that the original single trigger Remington Parker that was used as the model for the Winchester/Olin-Kodensa craftsmen to clone had doubled. These new Parkers were so faithful to this original Parker that they doubled, too.

It's a fact that some Parker Repros have doubled, but a simple cleaning of the trigger mechanism has solved the issue in many of these cases. It's also a fact that the majority of single trigger Parker Repros have functioned flawlessly for their owners.

Here's what I would do if considering a Repro (or any other make of double) with a single trigger: I would tell the seller that I will purchase the gun at the mutually agreed upon price, but with a contingency that I can shoot the gun at a couple of rounds of 5-Stand or Skeet to ensure the gun functions properly in all respects including trigger pulls, ejectors, POI, etc. If the seller won't allow shooting of the gun then I would insist on a warranty. If no warranty is offered, I would look elsewhere.

I have had several of the reproductions in both 20 and 28 and NEVER had an issue with the trigger doubling. I have several original Parkers with SST and haven't had a problem with them either. I wouldn't let the SST feature deter you from a purchase.

If one doubles it is likely just in need of a cleaning. Simple as that. The only other issue i have heard of is a few guns have some cast parts in the mechanism that just need some polishing up. But that is a rare occurance.

I have 3 PR's, 20/28/12, all with single triggers and never had an issue. Granted the 28ga. I have just bought, but put 100 rounds through it today with no problems. The 20ga I bought new in the mid-80's and never had a misfire. Whatever you buy and not knowing how the gun was previously used since new, you'd be wise to spend a few bucks to get it cleaned.

I'm sure not a Parker Repro guy, for sure, but I have heard from several sources that the lubricant used in the Japanese factory gummed up if unused, therefore guns which have been stored away as "New, unfired" may be the guns most susceptible to the malfunctions

My 20 gauge SST had an issue with a cast part, as Brian mentioned above. Dewey Vicknair corrected the problem. Dewey said that there was no congealed/hardened grease to blame.

Last year I purchased a Parker Reproduction 12 b with a single trigger. I was concerned about how well it would function.
After shooting several hundred rounds over a period of a year, I have found that it works just like it is supposed to work- No Problems with it functioning properly.
I would buy a Parker single trigger shotgun again!
If you buy one, you will enjoy it!!
Jim

Mark, (Roundsworth) has the answer and the name of the gunsmith who knows what the problem is. Apparently, it is not the grease as Mark says.

I shoot five ST Reproductions in all gauges, two of the five have given me trouble. The 12 ga started refusing the second shot about 10% of the time, had it fixed by the Miller single trigger co. They repaired the origional trigger, said someone with limited knowledge had worked on it before My 16 ga (Kriegoff barrels) started doubling the first time I used the barrel selector, sent it to Larry DelGreco and sons for repair. Turned out someone had messed with the sears and selector so Larry replaced a sear and made the selector work. He said he has fixed several dozen ST's and doubling is the most common problem. The single trigger problems I've had were caused by others with not enough Experience working on Parker Reproductions.
These guns have complex trigger mechanisms and need experienced Parker gunsmiths to tune them up. Reproductions can be a pain to maintain but they are so delightful to shoot the effort is worthwhile. The 28ga and 16ga are my favorites.