New SBT Guns
A long time ago, I shot a lot of trap. Gradually drifted away, but I always admired SBT guns. For the last several years I have thought about buying a Parker to fill a niche, but didn't want to spend that much on something I wouldn't use.
I purchased a really nice late Ithaca a while back on this board. Just a couple of weeks ago I picked up a basic LC Smith Olympic grade in good condition for a song. I also purchased a Fox K single from a member here for a good honest price. During buying these I noticed a Parker SBC on Gunbroker with a low starting price and in 10 days it got no bids. It was not relisted. Starting bid was $1000. I called them and they said it was a consignment with no bids in several cycles so they were going to return it as owner was firm. I asked them to relist it and I bought it as soon as it hit for the opening.
I got the gun yesterdayand it was actually nicer than expected. Certainly better looking than ad photos. Looks to be all original finishes. Great 32" barrel, perfectbores, good blue, silvered reciever with strong case under the lever and on the flats. Engraving is sharp and well done. Only problems were listed and shown in the ad. It has a very tiny hairline crack at the back of the forearm which should be invisible after repair. There are a few small and shallow "wormlike" drag marks on the butt stock. Engraving is a little dirty and it has a Morgan adjustable pad.
My plan is to deep clean (sonic), repair the hairline crack, and install a period recoil pad. (I also removed an Edmund recoil unit I found under the Morgan.
I contacted John Davis and asked about an SBT he is holding in the "Milestone" thread because I really liked the look considering it has been modified. It had what looks to be a 1/2" or so black spacer with a Silver's style thick pad. The gun I got already had a 1/2" black spacer that fit the stock perfectly with all angles correct. I have ordered a pad and will install it. It should be possible to do it without working anywhere near the original finish.
Any way, while I have no real plan to shoot trap again, they all together should make a nice display.
When I clean up the SBG I will post a couple of pictures.
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