What makes a great Parker Collection in your mind?

[Mills]

Another thing that is particularly true for those of us that shoot our Parkers is the memories associated with particular guns. I have a few that I would probably sell to improve my collection, but which bring memories of particular hunts

[C.O.B.]

I still have my first graded small bore, a DHE 20 straight grip 26 inch barrels and open chokes. I bought it at Cabelas (before I knew better) in Owatano MN on my way to Wyoming to shoot prairie dogs. I learned to shoot double triggers with that gun. I have another DHE 20 the first high condition gun I ever bought this has all the options 30 inch vent rib straight grip BTF and the early Miller trigger. I got it from Steve Barnett at the first Parker/Smith challenge. There are guns that are special regardless of gauge, grade or condition then there is one that tugs at the heart strings every time I take it out.......Gunner's Gun.

My Grandfather was a Parker shooter and had as the family story goes he had an A1 special trap gun. When he died he wanted it gifted to a friend and his wishes were carried out. I'll continue that tradition with Gunner's Gun. Hopefully it will become a cornerstone in his collection.

[stumpstalker]

Exemplary gun examples and Great Collections, shown and discussed here, is heady stuff. Josh provides additional insight into that rarified world, of which I just see a slice of from time-to-time, at a show, a shoot or an event, i.e., PGCA Annual Meeting or Parker Gun Foundation Hall of Fame Annual Awards Dinner.

I am reminded of what one man (who should know) told me a few years back: that “The top 50 collectors don’t go on line at all”.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Russell E. Cleary

I am reminded of what one man (who should know) told me a few years back: that “The top 50 collectors don’t go on line at all”.

Well, I am an example of the "bottom" 50 collectors, and I am on line. And like you, Russell, I enjoy seeing what the top 50 might buy at auctions, etc.

I am quite happy to own a few...and shoot them all.

[stumpstalker]

Heck, it would be gross chutzpah for me to say I even make the bottom 50.

No, I’m not a real gun collector. I just get mistaken for one at the auction previews.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

Well, I am an example of the "bottom" 50 collectors, and I am on line. And like you, Russell, I enjoy seeing what the top 50 might buy at auctions, etc.

I am quite happy to own a few...and shoot them all.

Regardless of top fifty or bottom fifty to paraphrase Popeye the Sailor Man “I am what I am!”

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Rich Anderson

My Grandfather was a Parker shooter and had as the family story goes he had an A1 special trap gun. When he died he wanted it gifted to a friend and his wishes were carried out. I'll continue that tradition with Gunner's Gun. Hopefully it will become a cornerstone in his collection.

I kinda have a similar tale (of woe). My pop has always said my paternal grandfather had a pair of Parker’s that he supposedly ordered once upon a time . One was for skeet and the other for trap dunno grades or if the trap gun was a double or single . And strangely he had a Fox (again don’t know the grade) for feathered birds IE quail . It’s assumed all three were 12 gauge . Anyway they disappeared during or right after the depression . Wish I could of atleast known what they were much less acquire them !