Two barrel sets

C.O.B. · 08-04-2012, 10:02 AM

I don't know how many actual two barrel sets parker produced but these are touted as rare, more versitale ect. I currently have two two bbl sets, the Hollywood gun a GHE 16ga with skt/skt and M/F barrels and a CHE 16 on a #1 frame with a set of 12ga barrels.

How many of us actually use the second set of barrels? The Hollywood guns M/F barrels have been on the gun once maybe twice in the 5-6 years I have owned it and the 12ga barrels on the CHE have never been on the gun in the 2-3 years I have had that one. I have owned several other "sets" over the years in both 12 & 20 and when I sold them they brought a premium because of the second set of barrels. Are the second set of barrels really worth the added expense? I know I don't get any use out of them

Dean Romig · 08-04-2012, 10:20 AM

I like a two-barrel-set for the versatility it provides and that is why they were ordered that way originally. There aren't however, a lot of people who would put (pay) a premium on a two-barrel-set from the discussions I've had with other shooters / collectors.

Why, are you planning to sell the second set of barrels from one or both of those guns??

C.O.B. · 08-04-2012, 10:25 AM

I wouldn't seperate the barrels from the Hollywood gun as it letters with both sets and the 12ga bbls for the CHE are Bernard ejector so I'll keep those also, who knows maybe some day I'll get to the great praries for Pheasant and might need/want a light 12.

i just don't see the overall usefullness in the second set for the added cost.

Dean Romig · 08-04-2012, 10:37 AM

You might want to contact the previous owner and ask for a "value rebate"

C.O.B. · 08-04-2012, 10:49 AM

Somehow I think the "free look" period has passed. The 12ga Bernard ejector barrels were a good value in the barrels themselves as they were added to the gun at a later date and could be sold seperately if need be. I'll hold on to them as they are good "stuff to have".

Bill Murphy · 08-04-2012, 10:49 AM

Two barrel sets are scarce and fun to look at in the case, whether we use the second set or not. Three barrel sets are even more fun and more scarce. Anyone know of a four barrel factory set?

OH Osthaus · 08-04-2012, 11:13 AM

Just a thought, maybe the two barrel sets were popular with the travelling shooter in the day when travel was a task

Just one case to haul for different uses

So, maybe to us with our large vehicles and jogging strollers

multiple guns seem the better approach,

Times change

Also, what percentage of two barrel sets were sent back to Parker to have the second barrels added. To me that shows a decision based on experience.

Dean Romig · 08-04-2012, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

Two barrel sets are scarce and fun to look at in the case, whether we use the second set or not. Three barrel sets are even more fun and more scarce. Anyone know of a four barrel factory set?

There is a documented small-bore DH four-barrel-set that I have inspected right in Connecticut.

I should qualify that by stating that it is documented to have been returned to Parker Bros. for the addition of barrels each time.

Bill Murphy · 08-04-2012, 11:58 AM

Dean, that sounds like an interesting gun. Is there more information available?

Kevin McCormack · 08-04-2012, 12:07 PM

My experience(s) with owning 2-barrel sets has been pretty much identical to those of the boats I've owned - the two happiest days of my life were the day I bought them and the day I sold them. Not nearly worth the premium they command, IMHO. And Dean makes a good point - how many were built as 2-barrel sets vs. being sent back and either added to or later modified? And remember, a one-barrel gun gives you great impetus to buy another Parker with the other choke/length you want!