First hunt with a Parker

[Andrew Frank]

Ever since I started upland hunting I’ve wanted a classic American double. I worked my way through SxSs starting with a beat up Spanish gun, then moved to a CZ followed by a Dickinson (still have it and it’s a great gun). I’ve been fortunate enough this year to start the obsession with Parker’s. I bought my first VH 16 and it had an unfortunate barrel failure (I’ve had other post about it). Then I picked up a basket case GH 12 gauge from Cabelas and decided it was too interesting not to rescue and turn into a shooter (I’ll post about that one later). I then found an inexpensive VH 16 I was planning to use to replace my bad barrels but ended up falling for it as is and am keeping it whole. It’s been used and had a quality re-blue done, along with opening the chokes and punching out the chambers. She is a little sloppy but got the go ahead to use and shoot from my gunsmith, he says I’ll probably never shoot it off face but I may still have it rejoined. I took it out for its first hunt and couldn’t have had a better time. 10 woodcock pointed by my Weimaraner, with 4 other wild flushes. Had a few grouse flush as well but no shots. That Parker was a joy to carry and shoot and am looking forward to taking it out again.