SXSAS
 

Have any of you fine folks ever come down with SXSAS (side-by-side aquisition syndrome)? I suspect in this group it's at beyond pandemic infection rates. I don't think there's a cure, but it seems to me that symptoms can be successfully treated with the acquisition of a fine shotgun. At least that's what I am prescribing for myself. Wish me luck.

That said, I've been drooling over lots of beautiful guns lately. So many good options. I keep coming back to Parkers. American made, quality, history, beautiful, functional..... I "need" one for bird hunting - mostly quail and dove. I shot 20ga guns growing up on everything - dove, quail, pheasant, ducks, turkey, rabbits, etc. I've been shooting mostly 12ga guns for the last 30 years though. I'm leaning toward either a 20ga or a 28ga sxs, although 7/8 or 3/4 oz loads in a 12 are nice too. But smaller frames are more fun to carry.

I'm open to single or double trigger, English or pistol grip stock, cylinder to modified chokes, 26-30" barrels, Parker or Reproduction, any model within my budget ($8K max if I found a screaming good buy, but would rather stay at $5K or less). I like pretty engraving and beautiful wood. Life is too short to carry a plain gun, right? :)

What should I get for my first Parker?

Lots of options out there w/ Parker 20 gauges. For that 5k budget you could find a decent grade 2 gun (GH or GHE), but for 8k you could find a high condition grade 2 or a grade 3 that doesn't have a lot of condition. I like my 26" GHE w/double triggers for quail. It is factory choked IC/F. Its a late production Parker and has really nice dimensions. For doves I like a 30 or 32" 20. But you could use a 30" for quail as well. I hope I didn't ruin my reputation admitting I do own a 26" Parker!

You're not alone Reggie - I've started a 26-inch 28-gauge support group and we still have a couple of openings.... you are afflicted with a 28-gauge aren't you?

No matter... gauge doesn't matter, it's not a qualifier.





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Yes Dean I have a couple of 28 gauges! :eek:

But they aren't 26"!

Seems I remember a thread some time back debating the choice between High condition/lower grade vs. Lower condition/higher grade. Assuming similar money, of course. Not sure what the answer is, as I like high condition and high grade.
That said. My bank account is low grade AND low condition.

I have a 28ga reloading press. I recently gave my daughter my last 28ga o/u, and I sold a Guerini 28ga not long ago. I think I'm leaning harder toward a 28ga sxs than a 20.

You won't be sorry if you get a 28 gauge, though a 20 is pretty nice too.... and so is a 16.





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I never promised I was gonna stop with 1 Parker. Just trying to decide which to get first. ;)

If y'all see my wife, maybe don't mention that. :D :D

Mum's the word. :whistle:





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you will like a 20 ga parker...also the 12 ga and the 10 ga and 8 ga are awesome...charlie....