Barrel Pitting affect on Value?

Sam Hershfield · 06-20-2012, 03:08 PM

I'm considering a beautifully refinished and intricately engraved (30+ years ago) VH 16 GA. "O" frame. It's got gorgeous English walnut on it and is generally in very nice condition.

But, the barrels are both significantly pitted (but have been judged safe by a gunsmith) and there is a little play in the action.

The question how much might the pitting reduce the gun's value? The seller is looking for about $3K.

Thanks!

OH Osthaus · 06-20-2012, 04:25 PM

i am no expert ( all you need to do i look at what i do buy )

but a redone VH with "significantly pitted " tubes ,

personally I would consider that over priced,

engraving and restock aside - barrels are the key IMHO

tom tutwiler · 06-20-2012, 07:24 PM

The old saying is you can just about fix anything. Except bad barrels. I'd not step into a gun with bad barrels unless it was worth sleeving. Post some detailed pictures of the gun and we can render a more educated opinion.

Sam Hershfield · 06-20-2012, 07:51 PM

Tough to get interior barrel pix. Any suggestions?

tom tutwiler · 06-20-2012, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Hershfield

Tough to get interior barrel pix. Any suggestions?

Got the impression the engraving and wood might be over the top and thus the gun might be worth sleeving. Regarding the pits themselves, I'd have to know what the minimum barrel wall thickness is. The same smith who said they are fine should imo have the ability to tell you what that minimum barrel wall thickness is. He's the one who is putting his neck out by saying they are "safe" to shoot. You also said the action is a bit loose. Seems like there are concerns on multiple fronts.

Sam Hershfield · 06-20-2012, 08:05 PM

Previous owner shot quail with it for 15+ years with it. Gun looks great...on the outside.

Sam

Dean Romig · 06-20-2012, 11:06 PM

Sam, don't fall for a pretty gun. We tend to pay too much for the "pretty" while ignoring everything that will reduce the gun's value. "Pitted" and "loose" will cause me to walk away every time.

Stepmac · 07-22-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Sam, don't fall for a pretty gun. We tend to pay too much for the "pretty" while ignoring everything that will reduce the gun's value. "Pitted" and "loose" will cause me to walk away every time.

The barrels can be "faced up" and made tight and the pitted bore can be honed. However one can only hone so much. To reline the barrels is expensive...around a grand.

Here is the deal. The gun sounds like a pretty gun and being a Parker it will hold its value even if worked on. Are you spending more than you will recover if you sell the gun? Probably, but I never buy a gun for investment. I buy them to shoot, or just plain fondle and put back in the case.

I have passed up on many more guns that I should have bought and did not, than the other way around....

Sam Hershfield · 06-21-2012, 07:15 AM

So, based on comments PCGA members seem to think $3K is too much for a beautiful Parker 16 VH Grade, O frame with exquisite engraving, case hardening beautiful stock and pitted barrels? Is $2K more like it? Or even less?

Sam Hershfield · 06-21-2012, 07:45 AM

Dear PGCA members, wanted to make it clear that the exterior of these barrels are beautiful, but it's the bores that are pitted. Still a problem?