Parker Long Range Small Bore

[Bruce Day]

It is, Dave. Thanks also to Dave, who has one of the few remaining original Parker gun sleeve sets. Dave was kind to send me his originals and my mother made a copy for me. I'm not sure many collectors realize Parker did that, and as I strive for authenticity, I like gun sleeves, period cases and cleaning rods.

Jim, no I have not. I have no tool to do that, but they seem no different than any other Parker I have.

[VH20]

Thanks for the info on the gun sleeves Bruce, I was not aware of that either.

My 0-frame 20 started doubling on me a few months ago. When I pulled the right trigger the left would also fire, but not the other way around. It happened twice within one box of shells and I switched over to firing the left barrel first to make it through the day without further problems. These were standard 7/8 oz. promo loads. I don't have a trigger scale either, but a stockmaker friend of mine does and we measured them at around 4 lbs. Rt., and 1.5 lbs. Lt. I'm not experienced with sear angles enough to fool with reshaping them, so I disassembled the gun and let him do the stoning, then I would reassemble and re-measure. He went very slow and for the first 5 or 6 tries nothing changed, but then we started to see the pull increase. About two more tries and we had it up to around 4-1/2 lbs. and called it good. No problems since, and the triggers feel great. I have often wondered why the left sear would wear before the right, since it typically gets used less, but there it was. As I'm sure you know, it is common practice to have the left trigger with 1/2 to 1 lb. greater pull than the right to help prevent doubling. The final pulls we arrived at were listed in notes my friend had taken while attending a gunsmithing seminar put on by English smith Jack Rowe.

You could probably get a ballpark idea of the trigger pulls with a fish scale and a string tied to the trigger, but you'd have to watch very closely at the time of the break to know where it happened. A proper trigger scale will mark the point of the break with a "bug", like on your aircraft instruments.

Jim

[Autumn Daze]

Thanks Bruce

[C.O.B.]

Dave this did indeed belong to Larry at one time.

I had the pleasure of shooting this gun at the U.P. shoot and a close target well centered turns to fine dust. Its a very nice and well handeling gun that would make a great Pheasant gun on the western grasslands.

[Bruce Day]

Jim, I and a couple others shot this 32" at the UP shoot and it doubled twice again. Its a high condition gun and several, including Dave Miles, suggested I clean the trigger group again. So last night I ran a lot of Rem Action Cleaner through it, following my own admonition that almost all Parker problems are caused by dirt and congealed oil or grease. We'll see if that fixes it; otherwise its off to the trigger experts.

Rich, it does make a great pheasant gun, if you are careful with the long barrels while getting in and out of the truck. And its a little difficult for shooting out the window.

You want to let the bird get out there a ways because it hits so hard even with a 7/8 load of 6's, it can turn a pheasant breast to mush. I usually aim for only the head and neck, but as I demonstrated at the Yooper, I can't hit the target all the time.

[Double Play]

Bruce,
Obviously that gun must have been defective when you received it. So in the spirit of fair play I think you should send it back for a full refund. I will even cover shipping.

[Bruce Day]

These things are so scarce, they are probably more collectible than even a nice A grade. A smart collector might even offer an outstanding A grade in trade.

No, where would I find another? I like having it, its a fun and interesting gun.

[Double Play]

Bruce,
All kidding aside I really like that case. If you run into another one that takes 32" barrels keep me in mind.

[Bruce Day]

Originally Posted by Larry Frey

Bruce,
All kidding aside I really like that case. If you run into another one that takes 32" barrels keep me in mind.

I just sent a really nice one to Lon Morris. I remember seeing one with a gold stamped A&F logo on it. I'll see if its still available. It was very nice. Not many cases will hold 32"s.

[MarketHunter]

Larry,

I've been looking for a 32 inch case for a long time myself. Just finally came up with a very decent 32 inch LOM from Kevin at the last Vintagers that I'm real happy with.

Destry