Now what do I do?

[Ray Masciarella]

I have more stock problems then Carter has liver pills! Please give me your thoughts.

I have a beautiful grade AH. Never refinished. Beautiful top grade wood. Circa 1890's. Very few minor dings and dangs. Problem: broken wrist. Well repaired long ago but my guess is that it will break if I shoot the gun. So now what do I do without devaluing the gun?

I have no doubt it can be professionally repaired. Problem is that it will have to be refinished and recheckered once the repairs are done if I want them to disappear. I could just have it repaired and not make the repairs disappear. At least I could shoot it.

What hurts the value more: 1) leave it the way it is and not shoot it; 2) repair it and have it refinsihed/recheckered; 3) Just repair it and leave the damage showing?

I thinking a broken stock is always a broken stock so I can't hurt the value by refinishing it but I'm a rookie who probably doesn't know any better so I'm hoping you all can help me before I make a big mistake.

Thanks, Ray

[Jim Kucaba]

Ray ... You sound like the kind of guy who would be honest enough to tell a potential buyer that the stock had been broken and repaired, so don't deny yourself the pleasure if shooting such a fine gun ... Have it repaired, made like new, and ENJOY !

[John D.]

Hi Ray!

Please know I'm a shooter - and sometimes collector, so others may have a different perspective, which I'm certain they will share.

If it were my Parker, where the stock is already broken - I'd have it repaired properly. In other words - you can "band-aid" it so it might be safe to shoot, but "band-aids" (read: poor repairs) are just ugly, in my view.

As well, I think a Parker deserves the "best of what we can offer them" - and the old gal sure doesn't want to be an ugly old gal with an improper repair...

So - I'd have it done right. Would the stock ultimately be "refinished"? You bet - but again, it's already damaged (to a non-shooting condition). So, I'd have it done right and enjoy shooting it - and be able to display it with pride.

I say all that given my own personal perspective as to what I'd be inclined to do - but ultimately the decision is yours, of course.

Best to you,

John

[Autumn Daze]

Ray, I agree with Mr. Dunkle whole heartedly...His logic( in this instance at least ) is sound.

[John D.]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

...I agree with Mr. Dunkle whole heartedly.......

Thanks Dave!!!

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

...His logic (in this instance at least ) is sound.

Yea, my Doctor told me "today is a good day for you John - your meds are working.."...

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Contact David Trevallion in Maine, one of the very best at this kind of repair in the business.

I second that - but, I had heard that Dave is very backlogged right now (and yes, he *is* one of the best in the business)... If that's the case - we might have to come up with a "Plan B" for Ray, presuming he want's to go that route?

Best to you,

John

[Autumn Daze]

Sorry John..I just could't resist...

Anyway Plan B for Ray is Stock Fixers I have heard very good things about these guys.... stocks@ruralfree.net

Or Plan C The Stock Doctor..Dennis Smith He has done some very good work fo me....thestockdr@riflemag.com

[John D.]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

Sorry John..I just could't resist......

Well - next time - just resist that urge...

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

...Anyway Plan B for Ray is Stock Fixers I have heard very good things about these guys.... stocks@ruralfree.net......Or Plan C The Stock Doctor..Dennis Smith He has done some very good work fo me....thestockdr@riflemag.com

I have heard good things about them as well - but I don't have any direct experience. That being said - I do know another guy near me who does stock repairs (and builds custom stocks that are simply wonderful) "by referral" only, and depending on what Ray decides - can put them in touch.

Best to you Dave!!

John

[Buddy Marson]

Ray, I can highly recommend Dennis Smith the "Stock Doctor" he has over 40 years in the stock business and repairing broken stocks, checkering, and refinishing is what he does. Not to mention re-stocking. His work is excellent! I would give this project some careful thought if I wanted to shoot this gun and the dimensions weren't right for me with the broken stock I would lean towards building a new stock to fit me and retain the orginal for resale.
Good luck! Enjoy the journey!

[Dean Romig]

Contact David Trevallion in Maine, one of the very best at this kind of repair in the business.

[Ray Masciarella]

So I guess no one thinks fixing it will hurt value. My thoughts too. Thank you all for such prompt replies.

I think I'll try to have it fixed without refinish. If it good ok, I'll leave it alone. Otherwise I'll have it refinished. I will contact the referrals.

Thank you all again! Ray