What have I got?

[Lawrence Forrester]

Recently picked up this Parker 20 ga for a friends widow. I don’t know anything about Parkers this being my first. It is a beautiful gun with 28” barrels and tight and solid. It has nice wood BUT the stock is a Monte Carlo style.?! I don’t think it is original but a reputable shotgun mechanic in our area said it was not uncommon for Parker owners to send them back for customization.
Love the gun but I want to know more about it.
Thanks in advance for your help and valuable input.

[Mills]

The Monte Carlo looks like an addition. Still looks like a good honest gun

[Randy Roberts]

Lawrence we have learned many times to "never say never" but the odds are probably approaching 99% that the Monte is not original. Post the serial number and we may be able to tell you a little more if it's in the book.

[Phil Yearout]

Agree with Mills; looks like a stock splice. Looks well done though!

[B. Dudley]

What looks like a splice is actually the grain. It is one solid piece of wood. But it is a restock that is not factory. There is nothing about the stock that suggest it may have been done at the factory.

The forend is original.

[todd allen]

I agree with Brian. Clearly a restock rear, original front. looks like it would be a nice shooter!

[Lawrence Forrester]

Serial number 155009, thanks for the input.
If I put a proper stock on her would that help the value and shooting experience?

[Randy Roberts]

Unfortunately that one is not in the book but there are surviving records available. You should/could join the PGCA and get a research letter on your gun.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Lawrence Forrester

Serial number 155009, thanks for the input.
If I put a proper stock on her would that help the value and shooting experience?

Lawrence, you are asking two (potentially) conflicting questions. Have you shot the gun, and if so, does the stock fit you? If the stock fits and you are hitting consistently -- that's a pretty good shooting experience to many. If you are wanting to be more of a purist (assuming the butt stock is not original as many have speculated), then maybe the addition of a replacement stock would be in order. As to whether adding an original style stock would help the value, probably some, but maybe not to the degree of the cost of the replacement and what you might have in the gun already -- if getting your money back out of the gun is important to you.

Your own personal outlook and desires should be a good starting point as to what to do regarding the stock once you find out more about its origin. I would suggest that if you do get a replacement stock, keep the one the came with the gun...it's part of the history of the gun.

To add to the other comments: Consider getting a letter. A research letter can really add to your enjoyment and understanding of the gun, another part of the "shooting experience."

[Dean Romig]

But the letter won't confirm that stock replacement. It wasn't done by Parker Bros. or Remington.





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