Restock
 

Question. I have seen many posts on restoration projects to include a restock. I understand that the higher the grade of gun a restock may make economic sense but to what degree does grade have in the decision to restock a gun? Do you need to get above a DH grade in a Parker, or say an A grade in a fox to make it economic sense to restock???

Gauge of the gun would make a major difference in the value.

I feel like it’s more of a personal decision than a financial one. Lots of things to consider to yourself if it was/is “worth it”.

As Brian said gauge has a lot to do with it, also the general configuration of the gun: I wouldn't think twice about restocking a smallbore gun with 30 or 32" barrels if the existing stock was extensively damaged or had such severe dimensions that I couldn't shoot it. In those cases I think restocking the lower grades with appropriate "plain Jane" wood is a sound investment.

I restocked a D grade 10 gauge and it was one of the best Parker decisions I ever made. It now fits me perfectly and looks like a beauty. Ducks and geese are in big trouble. (Hopefully on Saturday morning!) I even won some "bling" with it down at the Southern.

That said, if you want "economic sense," buy the gold miners. I like Barrick Mining Corporation and the VanEck Gold Miners ETF.

-Victor

I think that the amount of detail to a re-stocking would be a consideration. If you were looking for an exact duplication of the checkering pattern, wood type/grain pattern, quality of the work performed, in addition to the aforementioned suggestions, would be taken into account. You wouldn't want an AAHE grade 16 gauge (my favorite gauge just for suggestion) Parker re-stocked with Trojan grade wood by an inexperienced stocker. You would not want to re-stock a 12 gauge Boito with exhibition walnut fitted and checkered by some of the outstanding craftsman on our site.

Restocking a gun is frankly a personal decion. If it's your gun do what you want with it if it makes you happy.

I have had 2 guns restocked to my dimensions and I have another in progress. To go further, all 3 were also taking a pistol grip stock and converting them to a straight stock. In every case the original stock had been shortened/cut to the point and I felt no guilt restocking and making the gun more me.

For Reference these are the guns:

VH 0 Frame 28ga 26" barrels (which I just shot the other day and was loving it)
PHE 0 Frame 20ga 28" Twist barrels (this one is a dream and looking forward to hunting with it this year)
VH 1 1/2 frame 16ga 32" barrels (this one is in progress and I am really looking forward to it)

I agree with Victor, you end up with a gun that fits you perfectly that you are now excited to use. I am not concerned about the impact on collect value, restocking got these guns looking good and back in the field.

Quick Edit: I will also say that I did choose a nicer grade of wood that would have come with the gun originally and was happy with that choice

Steve,

Others here are much more qualified than I to comment on economic value of restocking. However, I can speak to the emotional side of a boost in wood grade on restocking.

Everything about my 12 Ga lifter hammer gun was a wreck, including the stock being busted at the wrist, literally held together with staples and tape. If it were going to be restored, it had to be restocked. It was a $75 Grade, according to the research letter, and it looks like the Grade 2 guns in the Parker Grades article. I didn't give the gunsmith instructions about grade of wood to use, and on his own judgement used a grade that has to be much higher than the original (which was in such bad shape you had to look hard to even see grain). Even though he charged me extra for the wood, I have been extremely happy about it. Every time I take it out or go hunting, I get a smile looking at it. So, aside from the economics, it gives me a lift when I use my lifter. :)

It's not going to be original, no matter what grade you use. I would think more in terms of what will be its value to you.

if its your gun and value is of little consequence to you, do what you dam well please with it. Who gives a f..k.