Dean, The subject of "What Defines a True Skeet Gun" is a deep and very convoluted definition.
In my opinion, in regard to Parker shotguns, and there are those who will disagree with me, a Parker Skeet gun should have the following features:
1. Barrel length 28" or less.
2. Beavertail forend.
3. Non Automatic safety.
4. Chokes of IC/MOD or less but more open is preferred. (Skeet In/Skeet Out stamps not required)
5. Twin beads.
6. Should have originally been bought primarily to shoot Skeet but hunting upland game as well is not a disqualifier.
I've seen guns with the proper Skeet In/Skeet Out chokes that had a dogs head butt plate and I've seen them without those stamps but with all other accepted Skeet attributes.
I wrote an article in Parker Pages Volume 24, Issue 3 titled "The Elliot's Twenty-Bore Parker Bros. Skeet Gun" highlighting a DHE with all the attributes of a Skeet gun but without the Skeet In/Skeet Out choke stamps, though it has, according to my measurements, upland chokes. The Elliott men used it extensively for Skeet shooting and took first and second places in two different classes at the local sportsmans club they belonged to, but they hunted with this gun in season as well.
The Elliott Skeet Gun.
__________________
"I'm a Setter man.
Not because I think they're better than the other breeds,
but because I'm a romantic - stuck on tradition - and to me, a Setter just "belongs" in the grouse picture."
George King, "That's Ruff", 2010 - a timeless classic.
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