Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Williams
Rajan,
You can quickly tell the difference between Ejectors and Extractors without disassembling the gun by simply opening the gun and looking to see if the part that lifts the shells is one piece that spans across the bottom of both barrels (extractor), or split vertically into left and right halves so they can operate independently on each barrel (ejectors). If your gun has ejectors and isn't stamped "VHE" on the receiver, then you will have to have a person who really knows what Parker factory ejectors look like examine the gun to determine originality. Even if they are retrofits, if done by the Parker factory it adds to the value of the gun over plain extractors. If aftermarket, it adds nothing, perhaps detracts some even.
One way to tell if the barrels were cut is to look at the top rib that runs along and between the barrels on top. It has wavy lines cut into its top surface to help reduce glare. On most (but not ALL) original guns, these wavy lines stop about 1/8 in. from the muzzle end, leaving a bare, un-matted space right about where the front bead sight is.
If you want to get an idea of the value of your gun, go on www.gunsamerica.com and do a search for "Parker". Then sort through them and look for 20 gauge VH or VHEs, depending on which yours is. Try and find some that are in similar condition and originality and compare what they are asking. They might not bring the listed asking prices, but if you take an average you should get an idea of what the fair market value is.
Finally, thank you for your service to our country. Soldiers are always respected and welcomed here.
Jim |
THANKS for taking the time to put that out to me! I think that about squares me away! I have checked guns America and the 20 gauges that look like mine seem to be pretty valuable. I suppose if I were into hunting even moreso but I just like saltwater fishing. Freshwater here and there.
Far as my service, Youre welcome! I have been in since 1995 and its always good to hear that our fellow Americans are behind us. Sometimes the thanks, headnods in the airport, beer or two in the Restaurant paid for by a stranger,etc... go through our heads at just the times when we are doing the more unpleasant tasks of Soldiering. Despite politics of the war and things like that we all take note of those little things. It's appreciated.
There is a vertical split on the half moons so it seems they are ejectors. There is no stamp VHE on the shotgun anywhere that I have noticed so someone else would have to let me know if it is original to the firearm. I suspect they are because on the whole the gun doesnt seem to have gotten much use and looks pretty untouched to me. Someone took care of it. The little shield is still on the underside of the rear of the stock and all of that. I heard those little shields often fall off and things so it seems to be in it's original condition.
There is indeed a bare space at the end of the barrel so it seems that it was never cut down. Again.... THANKS!