Parker Pages

[Mark Conrad]

I am a little confused. The percentage of components varies for each steel. In some cases there is a significant difference. The carbon content is close but the other components are not. In the next to the last paragraph Dave states that PB used basically the same steel in their barrels and used a good marketing strategy.

So Dave, can you give us more information on how you arrived at your conclusion. And, thanks for taking on this project.

[Double Play]

Mark,
I have not read Dave's article yet as I just received my PP but can say that in every grade of steel there is a range in which each component may fall. I also want to thank Dave for seeing this project thru and look forward to reviewing this article.

[TOOL MAN]

I too, just received Parker Pages last evening. A tip of my hat to Dean for what looks to be an outstanding issue! Sadly, unless you have worked on the back end of one of these publications, so few realize the degree of difficulty in getting it out the door. Actually, it is quite humbling to us in the AHFCA, that you manage to hit the mark 4X a year. I know first hand how much sweat and toil my esteemed colleague Mr. Noreen endures, to get our semi-annual "Weekly Reader rag sheet" (no offense Dave!!) into the mail. Again, I applaud Dean and his staff for the phenomenal job they do and sincerely hope the PGCA membership appreciates the consummate professional they have at their service.

[Harold Pickens]

Finished the Parker Pages last night. Great job! The technical stuff is good, but after getting slammed with patients all day, it is the light-hearted reading I enjoy most. COB's article on the last hunt of the year with Daisy and Gunners gun took me back to hunting in the UP with Daisy and Rich, and the first time I saw Gunners' gun at Rich's cabin. I can really relate to OWE guns.
I actually like using old beat up guns, used hard and put away wet, as they say. They probably have much more interesting stories to tell than their pristine counterparts. I wonder who would take such poor care of my latest aquisistion, a VHE 20 with barrels cut to 26 1/2" and cyl/cyl. Rough bores, cracked stock, and no bluing. I think to thank me for rescuing it, I shot a 41 with it on the competition course at Hausmann's on Sunday wit Edgar and Allan, but of course I had registered as just shooting for practice and later found out that Mike of the Mountain won the 20 ga event with a score of 41.
Had I been shooting for score, I'm sure I would have choked.
Good job Dean, and all involved

[Autumn Daze]

Mark, As Larry mentions each type of steel carries a range of elements and these vary by manufactorer. Also they will vary by the era they were made in. All these samples tested clearly fall into the mild steel range. Ever hear anybody say how easy Parker barrels dented? I have! I again would like to publicly thank Edgar our resident metalurgest for all his help in making all the results readable to the layman. This article is the end result of over 15 years of trying. I hope you all enjoy it.

[Chris T.]

Great article Dave, it was the first thing I flipped to. And yes, Edgar is a smart fart. Always a good time when he's around.

[Kensal Rise]

Originally Posted by Mark Conrad

I am a little confused. The percentage of components varies for each steel. In some cases there is a significant difference. The carbon content is close but the other components are not. In the next to the last paragraph Dave states that PB used basically the same steel in their barrels and used a good marketing strategy.

Many factors work toward Parker using one fluid steel for barrels: Cost, sourcing, production simplicity and functional practicality. It's much easier to put a romantic name on a top rib than complicate your business with a host of steel formulas. The marketing staff does the rest.