Gun show PH today (long post)

[Steve Hodges]

Well guys, I went to the second day of a small gun show in Concord (we say con-ked), NH this morning on a last minute decision. At the second table I came to was this 12 Gauge Parker PH on a dealers display. I asked if I could look at it and he immediately said yes, and that he would cut me a deal on it as he knew "nothing about them", and with the Damascus barrels, folks do not think it is "safe to shoot". I looked the gun over and liked it, but being a "new" parker convert with only one gun, my 0 frame 16 gauge, I really needed to do some checking on just what this gun was (is). I walked around the show and seeing nothing else that I was interested in, I went out to my truck and got my "Parker Gun ID" book and went back to the PH. Pulled the gun apart. The good. #1 frame gun, all numbers match, 28" uncut twist barrels with outstanding bores, no dents or dings. Metal pretty nice, no case colors but engraving still sharp and clear. Lever about centered. Serial #84141, not listed in book. The bad. Stock cut, but lop of 14 1/4"(good) over 1" pad (bad pad). Stock refinished sometime in the distant past and all checkering gone, but original stock. Grip cap not original and needs replacing as it does not fit well. "slight" wiggle in action when closed.
Not knowing if this was worth buying I left the show and came home. Called both Dave and Dean for advise and was only able to get Dean at the time. Dave was off shooting or something like that! Dean thought the gun was worth buying, so I went back to the show and after a brief negotiation, bought the gun. Here are some pics and particulars. $450 out the door.

#1 Frame 12 gauge, PH with Twist barrels, great bores
7Lb 12 Oz
28" barrels (uncut)

I am pretty happy with my second Parker and after getting the walls measured, I plan on getting it to the range. Eventually I will get it tightned up, have the checkering recut(maybe), put a period correct pad on it and replace the grip cap.