Parker Reproduction Review

[Gary Laudermilch]

Rud,

You are apparently doing your homework before purchasing - a wise move in any case. I would like to offer you my two cents on repros which will likely differ from those of others. I do not intend it to be derrogatory toward any other opinions but, rather, give you another point of view.

I have two repros and they are considerably different in dynamics. Both are 20's, pistol grip, double trigger guns. One is 26" splinter at 6/12 lbs.and the other 28" beavertail at very near the 7 lb mark. I've owned one straight grip gun and will never have another which is contrary to popular opinion. They just do not suit me except for aesthetics.

The short gun is my go to grouse gun. I'm creeping up on the 70 mark and find it very easy to carry. I've shot many a gun while pursuing ol' ruff and this Parker is one of the best I have ever handled. The longer gun was purpose bought for clays and some dove hunting. While dynamically different it is well suited to my intended use although I don't think I would pursue another beavertail as it is a bit bulky for my tastes. It does keep your hands cool though. These guns get quite hot quickly when shooting 5-stand or skeet. I have shot numerous 28 ga. guns and have yet to find one that suits me because the field guns are just too light for me. If you want to have a pleasant experience take a heavier 20 and shoot 3/4 oz loads at moderate velocity. I guarantee it will put a smile on your face.

I love my repros and while I have no experience with the single trigger I think there are others that can effectively advise you on that issue. On the negative side of the equation though; I have broken ejector hammers on both my guns. Others have not had the same experience so I must be attracted to weak ejector guns.

If you like the Parker repro do not hesitate to pursue one that suits your needs/tastes. Take your time to find the right one. It took me 4 years to find the 28 inch gun at the right price. It will be worth the time. Good Luck!

[Richard Skeuse]

I saw the review that Bruce Buck wrote....um... None of my brothers nor I are 6'2" or taller. None are over 6 feet anything. I think I am nearly the tallest and I am 5'10" so take the article for what its worth. Just saying and not trying to start anything. Oh , Yes the guns were made in the 80's and there are still unfired guns out there, Just bought one last week. So there will be gummed up triggers. Yes there were a few trigger problems. Clay Target Sports does a wonderful job of repairing them. So you like the gun use it if not then sell it. Have a wonderful shooting day and enjoy your doubles. Thanks

[timcornish]

I have 5 repros. The one I shoot the most is the one that I have posted about in the past, a 20/16 combo that is so well used I have not been able to sell it (and am in the process of changing my mind anyway). As soon as I got it and took it dove hunting it started to double. I cursed it but tightened the screws and then loosened up the top trigger plate screw, still doubled. Learned how to take off the stock without breaking the inletting and cleaned the trigger up then tightened down the top screw and no problem at all as long as the screw is tight and I keep the trigger clean. A former owner had glassed the top tang and so it cannot over tighten which, I think with wood shrinkage lets you put odd torsion on the trigger that can cause it to double - so two issues that have caused doubling, the screw tension and filth! All of my Parkers fit me like gloves.

I recently got my son an AYA Matador I with a Miller like single trigger and it started doubling and got incredibly mushy. It was the wood shrinkage just like my Parker 20/16 so I got an old Mauser ferrule and fit it in the stock so the top trigger plate screw could not tighten down too much and now its fine, a 10 minute fix.

I admit I am rash with these fine old guns (old/new but fine none-the-less) but I can keep them going with no big repair bills so far.

[Joe Bernfeld]

None of this is new information. He didn't even harp on the broken wrist problem (I broke my 28 ga). All of these issues are easy to resolve, and as Buck said, the company did it for him for free. I ordered one of the early 28 ga guns with 26 and 28" barrels. Both shot 10" low at 30 yards. Evidently the factory had put the top ribs on wrong on a bunch of the early 28s. They immediately replaced the gun with another one that Jack Skeuse personally picked, which had the most incredibly figured dark burl stock that I've ever seen. It shot straight !