[QUOTE=Clarence Kavanaugh;10272]I recently registered on your forum to get information concerning the Parker shotgun. I practically know nothing about the firearm other then it is considered one of the great American shotgun if not "thee" greatest produced."
Response: The best source of information is The Parker Story, cost between $300 and 280. There is substantially complete information about Parkers and Parker Repros. I recommend purchase and study of TPS before getting into Parker purchases.
"My question is concerning the differences between the frame sizes that I keep hearing about (0, 00, 1-4)."
Response: Frame sizes are specific to gauges and weight within gauges. In the 12, there is much variation. Almost all 20's are 0 frame, all about post 1910 28's are 00 frame, since your interest is in 20's and 28's.
" I'm not much interested in the guns prior to the forged steel barrels and to be more specific, I'm mostly interested in guns that are either in the 20 or 28 gauge range."
Response: Parker used forged steel and iron in composite barrels, usually called Damascus. Parker used compressed, extruded fluid steel in later barrels although Damascus barrels were ordered by knowlegeable shooters until 1927. Twenty gauge Parkers are available in the lower grades with minimal searching and moderate expense.....$4000 -$5000 can get you a decent enough VHE. Twenty eight ga guns are scarce and costly. A nice 28ga VHE Parker will run you $16000-22000. Parker Repros in 28ga are much less costly. A nice 28 Repro can be had for $5000-6000.
Many people new to Parkers start with a Repro.
"I would also like to know how the reproductions guns match up to the original as far as adherring to the specs or have the manufactures taken liberties?"
Response: Repros were modeled after late Remington Parker guns and are very close to them , with parts interchangeable with originals. In Repros the engraving is not as deep, its machine cut, not hand engraved, the case colors are thin and easily worn. The wood used can be brittle and somewhat prone to fracture, so some have had to replace stocks after a fall. The stock finish is modern shiny and some have refinished their guns to make them more pleasing to the owner's eye. Repros are fine guns, appreciating in value and in a personal comment, I can't see how a new person can go wrong with a Repro.
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