Case coloring

gman · 10-16-2010, 08:05 AM

Can anyone comment on the case coloring on Parker reproductions? I have heard a few comments that it wears thin easily and have even heard that it is not a true case coloring. I may be in the market for a 12 ga. DT that will be shot a fair amount and think that cc may not be all that important other than as a indication as to level of care. Just curious.
Thanks

Bruce Day · 10-16-2010, 09:40 AM

On the up side, they are fine guns.

On the downside, the case hardening colors are thin, wear quickly, and with moderate use, the frame loses colors. It does not affect functionality. Its some kind of chemical, micron thickness hardening process. A further downside is that the engraving was rolled on and is also thin and wears quickly. Neither are indicators are to level of care. Level of use, yes, but not level of care.

Some Parker Repro owners have had engraving chased and the frame charcoal case hardened.

gman · 10-16-2010, 10:06 AM

Thanks. Actually I have looked at a few with case wear at much better prices. in looking for a shooter it will not be a deterrent if a gun has noticeable wear. I too believe them to be fine guns. Thanks

Setter Man · 10-16-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Grims

Thanks. Actually I have looked at a few with case wear at much better prices. in looking for a shooter it will not be a deterrent if a gun has noticeable wear. I too believe them to be fine guns. Thanks

My $.02, find one that has very little case color remaining take the money you save and send the gun to Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids, MI and have him refinish the gun. The transformation is amazing.

Autumn Daze · 10-16-2010, 04:12 PM

I like mine better now that the case is starting to wear off. A few more season's in the woods it'll be just about perfect....

Setter Man · 10-16-2010, 04:42 PM

A little bit of Semi-Chrome and a soft rag and it'll be off in 5-minutes. Then....

Pay Dirt · 10-20-2010, 10:20 AM

Any tricks for preserving existing Repro case colors?
Any idea what Mr. Bachelder charges for color rejuvination?
Thank you, Bobby

Bruce Day · 10-20-2010, 10:49 AM

Put wax on the frame and try not to handle it very much. Good luck. I once listened to someone's advise on the forum and put Tru-Oil on the frame. It yellowed, filled in the shallow engraving lines and was a mess. I had a devil of a time getting it out.

Call Brad and ask directly.

SXS OHIO · 10-21-2010, 09:49 AM

I wish Tom skues would haved used real bone color case.....But as they say it is what it is...Im very happy with my repro's! I perchased them with full intention of use, as tools that they are. I find as the years pass they are more like original parkers with that warm used look. The great wood makes up for the color case. The best value in a repro is the 28 gauge guns at about 4K for a nice one barrel set. Just try and buy a nice original Parker 28, it will take 4X that amount and up! Thats my take...thanks all SXS ohio...(-:

Double Play · 10-21-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny Graft

The best value in a repro is the 28 gauge guns at about 4K for a nice one barrel set. Just try and buy a nice original Parker 28, it will take 4X that amount and up! Thats my take...thanks all SXS ohio...(-:

Kenny,
I think an original DHE 28 gage would be more like 8 to 10 times as much. You are absolutly right, if you want a nice 28 gage to hunt and shoot with the Repro is the way to go.