VH 12 with Briley thin-walled tubes

[Grantham Forester]

Looking at a Meriden mfg. VH 12- 30" barrels uncut, DT, Ext- No 1& 1/2 frame. Shot it recently at a Tower shoot with the tighter choked tubes installed- good LOP, mechanics, stock dims-- BUT- as it has been "altered" is it worth less on the used Parker market of today, than had it been left with the original factory chokes?? Just wondering, before I consider making the owner an offer. Not refinished, about 70% barrel blue, 80% stock varnish- DHBP with top in-letted spur, all screws clocked and not marred, splinter FE- good checkering, about 25% case colors on receiver and top tang area. Thanks!! GF

[B. Dudley]

Yes. The installation of the chokes severely effects collector value. It basically makes it a shooter.

[Bruce Day]

That is one person's opinion. The universe of Parker owners and buyers is much larger than the handful who post here regularly and still much larger than the number of PGCA members. Judging from the number of like questions we get here, there are a substantial number of people who are interested in multiple choke tubes for old Parkers.

Such a gun would not be attractive to me, but then I am kind of picky and I know there would be a lot of people away from here who are or would be interested.

[Bill Murphy]

Bruce is right. There is a seat for every butt. A Briley choked VH in average condition is worth about what an average original VH is worth. Go for it. It sounds like a great gun.

[Carvel]

I have a 20 ga Trojan that has had the barrels cut long before I got the gun, I assume to remove most of the choke. I use it to rabbit hunt and to shoot clays on occasion. Since the "damage" has already been done, what is you folks opinion on value, up or down, on having screw in chokes added at this point? Thanks. Carvel

[Bill Murphy]

Do it. It will probably increase the value of the gun as much as the cost of the chokes.

[Big D]

Given that it will cost +/- $500 for the chokes, even if the value of the gun isn't affected, you're upside down by $500. Better to buy a gun that has already been modified

[charlie cleveland]

i with bill on this one..for a shooter it seems like the chokes would be a plus to the gun..and i think if i were a buyer on this gun it would appeal to me more with the brileys.. if the price is right go for it..i think a gun in the shape you discribe would be in the 800 to 1000 price line...charlie

[todd allen]

I have a friend who wants a higher grade (maybe D grade) with choke tubes. We have debated this back and forth between an original vs. repro. I think the repro has chrome lined bbls, adding to the complication of installing choke tubes, so it will probably come down to modifying a Parker or Remington built gun.

[J. A. EARLY]

For the right price (value of an equivalent unaltered gun minus a little), I'd buy the gun in a minute. My favorite chokes are IC/Full. Seldom see a gun like that, but you have whatever combination you want right at your hands. And even thought it is $500 for Briley, add another $100 to get it there and back. So if you buy it for a fair price, that amount is his loss and your gain. At least the gun is uncut, which was the old method to open up and lighten a gun for close game.