Should I keep or not:

[Bruce B.]

Hello, My first post on this wonderful forum. Long story short, I received this 1896 Parker GH, 1 1/2 frame, 12 gauge, 30" barrel today. I come to you with photos and I am requesting some advice. I really love this gun, but the very old crack in the upper wrist was not revealed to me before the purchase and I'm afraid the advice my father gave me many moons ago should apply here. He said. "Son, never buy a gun with a cracked stock". Well dang it, I purchased this classic to admire and shoot. I'm experienced with black powder loading and have collected antique brass shells for years. I have a stock pile of Goex FFg also. The bores are choked improved and improved modified and measure .040 and .048 wall thickness at the muzzle. I didn't steal this gun but gave a fair price of $725.00 plus shipping. Considering the added expense of a professional repair I'm leaning towards taking my departed fathers advice. I would not consider a refinish with the exception of a pro barrel re-blackening, the repair would need to be invisible. So in conclusion it boils down to how deep are my pockets and would I or my offspring ever recoup my investment. Please take a look at the photos and hit me with both barrels, Thank you, Bruce

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

The buttstock has a wonderful age and color to it. I would repair and use it well.

[winplumber]

Contact the seller see how much he will if any knock off ,200.00 would be fair !Fix it and enjoy it

[Chris T.]

I would take your Dad's advice. There are alot of nice GH's out there for $1000 which is at least what your going to have in it. Also, be aware that just because there is 40k min. wall thickness at the muzzle doesn't mean it will be any where near that down the barrels. If you want one to shoot, keep looking, you'll have another one in your hands in a week or two.

[B. Dudley]

A very nice piece of light feather crotch on that gh. Nicer than most gh grade guns. That crack can be repaired and a recut of the checkering would cover up most of it, but some of it would still be seen. I don't know if Gould get away with a truly invisable repair on this.

[Ed Blake]

If the seller misrepresented the gun I would not hesitate to send it back. There are plenty of good ones out there, plus look for a 2 frame gun. Meatier barrels.

[Bruce B.]

I thank you for your replies. It's not so much of a return on my investment question as taking into account some other more important variables. Safety is paramount when using firearms. I am by no means an authoritarian on Damascus barrels. I have a friend locally that has a very nice bore scope and I think it would be a good idea to pay him a visit tomorrow to take a real close look into those bores. In the photograph of the muzzle I can see a very thin edge of silver ribbon, a line just inside the bore. If it's a separation then the gun is relegated to wall hanger status. I've always had an immense love for firearms. I also believe in rescuing firearms that have suffered due to the effects of time and neglect. I have purchased guns just because they cried to me for a good cleaning. There are no wall hangers in our home. All of our firearms get taken out to shoot. At this point in time I am still unsure about the status of this Parker. After a thorough examination I will be able to make a final decision to keep her or send her back for a refund. I'm glad to be able to share my thoughts here and appreciate what more experienced members think and I do value your opinions.
I thank you, Bruce P. Bruner

[Mills]

If the barrels are safe and if the price is still fair considering the stock, I would keep it.

[Kensal Rise]

Bruce:
It sounds as though you like this gun for its own sake -- but are disappointed in the less than forthcoming seller. If some added cost and the satisfaction of bringing a grand old Parker back to shooting will reward you, then keep it.
For a literally invisible repair, I'd consult The Stock Doctor (google that term) or Mark Larson Gun Art. either one can make that crack go away completely... and have the stock stronger than new.
Another issue is the chipped comb nose. Stock Doctor can fix that too.
If you look close at the bores please remember that minor pitting will NOT make the gun unsafe to shoot with modest pressure loads.

Finally, I would NEVER do business with the seller of that gun again. He has no scruples.

Best, Kensal

[Brush Buster]

Bruce , If the seller misrepresented the gun and has a return policy ,you may want to send it back ,I bought one once and it was clearly misrepresented ,I decided to keep it and every time I carried it ,the whole deal aggravated me till I got to the point I didn't want to use it any more ! I took it to the local gun show ,walked it till I got an offer and let it go ! I lost a little cash but every gun is a learning experience and nothings free ! All of these years of fooling with old guns ,the one thing I have learned ,If something doesn't feel right about the deal ,then it is not a good deal for me ! A bad deal doesn't seem to get better ,they just seem to go down hill ,the first day of ownership of a new Gun ,should never be a dissapointment ! Just my two cents , and maybe that is all it's worth ! Good Luck with your decision! Best ; Russ