Parker VH Restored

[dennis stowers]

Always wanted an original Parker . So I bought a 12 ga. VH with 26 " barrels , IC / MOD ivory beads , double trigger, smaller frame , all original . ( grouse gun ) . I got the letter from the association and it showed the original info that matched what I had . Made around 1939.
It was in shootable condition but I sent it in to Larry Del Grego and they completely re finished the gun . It came back like NIB. Now question . Is this just a shooter or does it have any collectible value ? The way I look at it is if I wanted something to look at I would have bought a painting . So if someone is going to put a carracter mark on the stock why not me ? Just looking for another opinion . Thanks

[B. Dudley]

It is a restored gun. And would be valued as so, providing that the finishes look like true factory original work. It is debated as to how much of a deduction from 100% condition a quality restored gun should be.

[Bill Murphy]

I have shot a Del Grego restored Parker since it was returned to me in 1972. It has some character marks, but has probably lost no value because of those marks.

[J.B. Books]

It's a restored gun, being a lower grade gun the sum of it's original cost and cost of restoration would be more than a willing buyer might pay. I presume you restored it because you liked everything about it except for the way it looked. Take it out, shoot and enjoy it, be careful with it but accept the fact that use usually brings wear and tear. No matter what gun I take out, fair condition, great condition, partially restored or fully restored, wear and tear doesn't make me happy. It's like a door ding in your car or truck, you don't like it but you get used to it or fix it. The wear and tear is the price all of us pay to use and shoot a Parker.

[Bill Murphy]

Shoot it. A restored gun looks more original and gains more character the more it is carried and shot.

[Richard Flanders]

Hell, I'd shoot it if it were NIB original condition...!

[Tom Hawkins]

Shoot it you own it.
Don't shoot it , it owns you.

[charlie cleveland]

these boys are all right shoot the gun and don t worry about wear it will out last you so enjoy it....charlie

[tom tutwiler]

Shoot it for sure. I also had a restored VH done in 12 gauge about 16 years ago by Bill Schwarz down in Ga. He did a great job and the gun was amazing. So amazing I was afraid to carry it in the field. I shot a few doves with it. Killed a turkey and I'd say in the years I owned it I shot it maybe 25 times. Finally I decided it was not worth it to see it back in the back of the gunsafe. Sold it to a Maine duck hunter (it was number 2 frame, 30" and full/mod with chambers extended to 2 3/4"). He told me he was going to hunt the hell out of that gun and would be wacking ducks and geese with it as long as he owned it. Seemed like the right thing for me and the right thing for the gun. Also, Bill was cheap in those days. I had only paid 400 for the gun and counting the restoration I was in it for about 1300. Sold it for more then that so I didn't loose anything. In summary shoot that gun or move it on and shoot another one.