20Ga Project gun

[Sam Ogle]

I stopped into my old Cabela's Store this morning; and there, looking very tired, worn and used was a Parker VH 20 Ga 28" Double Trigger gun.
Serial number is 131419, O frame, and, no, it's not in the serial no. book.
It has more things wrong than I can count, including a bit off face, steel barrels are a tad bit rough inside, (not bad, but need polished) the screws are a total wreck, the stock has chunks out of it at the receiver, the butt has been replaced with an ill fitting recoil pad.
The barrels are uncut. But.......but, she's a 20 gauge Parker: $800.00.
So, what kind of FOOL would lay away such a gun?
Yep.
I will be looking for Batchelder and/or a shrink as soon as it is in hand.

On my deathbed, I hope God says "Well, You DID rescue some old Parkers, and that's a plus."

Sam Ogle, Lincoln, NE

[Pittypatdugan]

I think what you are doing is great. I also bought a 20 gauge VH that Asa Kelley found that had a straight stock with black tape around it and replaced forend for $ 800.00. I shot a 24 on the skeet range with it. Asa decided he would rather spend his time working with a BH that he got about the same time, so I ended up with the little 20. Sent it to Bill Schwartz and some time later it was returned looking like a new gun.
I then shot the 25 straight, so a special Parker to me.

[OH Osthaus]

Sam;

a 20 bore, 28 inch 0 frame?

that sounds like a project worth doing - I probably would have sprained my wrist going for the wallet too quick

Pictures are required when you get it home.

[Kensal Rise]

Sam:
I certainly know the feeling. But... if you have to send that gun out to fix the ills, I believe you will find that it will end up being a $3800 VH 20.

But what the heck. That's what we're here for, right?

Good luck.

Best, Kensal

[Bill Murphy]

$800 was the exact price I paid several years ago for the gun pictured on our home page. I have been taking in orphans for many years.

[Sam Ogle]

Kensal & All;
Yes, I know it will end up being a $3,800 gun. But, it's an original, I like 28" barrels (Yes, I measured them) It's an "O" for sure, and I am foolish. But, I have a couple 12's a couple 16's, a 28 Ga Repro.......but not a 20.
Yes, it will take a lot of work, but what the hell, I wasn't doing anything nearly this noble anyway.
Sam

[Mills]

Good for you, Sam. I have a few "projects" myself. The finished product is worth so much, but bringing back a piece of American craftsmanship is priceless. Just wish my wallet was deeper . . . .

[Autumn Daze]

Sam, If return on investment was the only reason to buy,return to shootability etc,etc. these old guns we would be missing a lot of enjoyment. Good on you! Kind of like one of my favorite movies"For Love Of The Game"

[Hammer Gun]

You never know what you will find out there or where you will find it, I was at a show in Greensboro N.C. several years ago, and was walking down one of the rows and noticed a couple of old guns laying on the back side of a table. They were hammer guns in very bad shape. one was a parker, I asked to see the gun and was told go ahead but it is not all original, the vendor said it had pitted barrels, and someone changed the butt plate out. As I looked at the gun I could see that the old girl had seen a rough life, but the barrels did not seem to be cut, a plus! It was off face, stock cracked but original, another plus! Then I looked at the buttplate, low and behold a flying pigeon, H&D Folsom ordered trap gun! I ask how much? give me two hundred and she's yours. I paid and left in a hurry least he change his mind.Today after a trip to bachelder's she looks as new, with a Parker letter confirming dimensions, I left the bores as they were, with a little cleaning they look ok and it shoots good. Another story of a Parker saved! They are worth saving in my book! Gary

[Bill Murphy]

Good story, Gary. I have a room full of them, abandoned orphans brought back to glory with the minimum of change to originality. Minimum cost, maximum satisfaction. My competition gun for the 2012 Fall Southern was a $400 gun show find, bought from a store front dealer.