Should I buy this gun....Newby looking for advice

[DouglasDeHart]

Hoping to get some opinions by guys that know more about these guns than me....My local gun shop has a Parker 16ga in V grade for $999.00. 26” barrels

The barrels do not lock up tight on face, and they have started to look a slight brownish color. When holding the gun I am able to move barrels very slightly wide to side and feel the play on face. Only a little bit of case coloring remains under the forearm.

The stock has a hairline crack that I am thinking was repaired.

Knowing the gun would need these issues fixed by a gunsmith- is this still a reasonable price for the gun? 1k is my limit and I’ll most likely never be someone that can afford to pay much more for a gun. So I was thinking this could be my opportunity to get myself a Parker 16ga and pay for the repairs down the road.

Or should I just be patient and continue to save until I can afford a gun that will be in better condition.?

[Harry Collins]

Douglas,

Ask the seller if you could take it to a gunsmith for evaluation. I think it is a reasonable price for a 16 gauge VH. If you could post the serial number we could look it up in the book and possibly tell you if the barrels have been shortened. I'm a sucker for Parkers like this as I do my own repairs.

Kindest,
Harry

[DouglasDeHart]

Thanks Harry....Unfortunately closest gunsmith to me is about an hours drive, even more from the gunshop.

[High Brass]

Check your PM's.

[B. Dudley]

Best advice that I can give is look for and find a gun that has NO issues. Off face and a cracked stock is hardly that.
That much money can get you into a good sound 12g VH no problem.

[Bill Murphy]

We experienced Parker shooters buy the highest condition low grade Parkers to use as shooters. We avoid low condition guns with "issues" like the plague. There are dozens of low mileage low grade Parkers without issues for use as shooters at reasonable prices for us to enjoy.

[mobirdhunter]

[QUOTE=DouglasDeHart;

Or should I just be patient and continue to save until I can afford a gun that will be in better condition.?[/QUOTE]

Douglas...I'd recommend being patient if you can. I think you can find a gun in better shape within your budgeted amount.