1901 Parker VH Review & Discussion

[Bruce P Bruner]

I have this 1901 Parker VH, 30" Vulcan Steel, 12 Gauge double trigger shotgun coming to my local Cabela's for inspection. I reviewed the shotgun over the telephone on Thursday morning. I declined the purchase due to uncertainties. I tried to just let it go and today I was motivated to call again and rereview. Well, it was on hold and I knew it wasn't meant to be. They called me back and said the gun was still available. Serial number 104249 isn't in the book but the PGCA say's a letter is available. So, here we are, it's a #2 frame extractor gun. I have these concerns about the gun; the barrels are not touching at the muzzle (close) even though the rib matting ends 1/8" from the end and it also has the line in front of the matting. I thought if the barrels weren't touching it absolutely meant the gun had been cut (kiss of death). They say the bores are shiny with a touch of something just ahead of the left chamber that my clean out (?) and chokes are Mod & Full.
A Monte Carlo buttstock that looks factory to me (aside from the MC), with the addition of a Hawkins pad. I don't believe the Hawkins existed in 1901, though I don't know for sure. I'm not convinced that Monte Carlo stocks were "a thing" in 1901, though they may have been in England.
The front sight is also questionable though I seem to recall seeing them before. PGCA has no record of a return.
I would like everyone's thoughts on this gun before I head out to take a look on Wednesday. The price isn't exorbitant at $1199.99 but I felt compelled to get everyone's consensus before hand. Thank you, Bruce
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