Why am I attracted to old war horse Parkers?

[Jay Oliver]

I never liked the term "Rainy Day Gun". We should have a category at an event for well worn Parkers. Maybe a display? Call is Best Character or Best Patina

In addition, I have always thought about having a shoot where the Parker you used would only have a market value of around $500 - $1000(in the hammer gun category). But for many reasons it brings much more value to the owner. And still shoot very well...

Most of the ones I have in this category are lower grades, but not all. I have a few lifters that make you wish the gun could talk. In hammer guns, these are usually guns I am happy to shoot black powder shells in.

So let's try to put something together around this. What do you think?

[Bill Murphy]

Some years ago, I planned a "Claiming Shoot" at our gun club. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a decent purse would be awarded to the high scorer, only if he puts his gun up for a $500 "claim". If the high scorer is not willing to sell his gun for $500, the purse goes to the next highest score, and so on. It eliminates the shooters who use a high end competition gun to win a shoot. The lower the "claim", the more interesting the shoot.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Honest wear in a gun is classy. As many have posted they too resemble their guns with honest wear. If I can get new hips and knees, I think I can allow a shooter a new recoil pad or a fresh stock finish once in a while too! 🤣😂 I just don’t know if the causes for arthritis are considered honest wear or just abuse?