My 1901 16 gauge Parker

[D. Shane Burton]

Thanks again, Bruce, for the detailed info..

Sorry about my reaction earlier; I'm fairly upset at myself, as you can imagine.

Shane

[Bruce Day]

Shane, it happens, you're not the first or the last. Please join the PGCA and come to Louisville if you can.

I recall a few years ago when a member who is now a significant collector wanted to get into Parkers. He is a big guy and wanted the big bores, so he came to the PArker meeting at the Southern Side by Side in N.C. and picked everyone's brain. He bought a first rate big Parker there and has acquired more, all no excuses guns, all stemming from his first buy and so far as I know, he has paid fair price for all and they have risen in value. I had one Parker when I started, joined the PGCA and picked a lot of people's brains, now I have a few more.

Regards,

Bruce Day

[D. Shane Burton]

First off, thanks, Bruce.

Now back to something Dean posted:

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Well Shane, from your pictures it looks like both guns have been "rode hard" to the point of having been abused. The sixteen certainly looks to be in better condition than the twelve. In fact, I wouldn't even attempt to shoot the twelve at all. The barrels are in poor shape and the ribs are obviously seperating.
The stock on the sixteen presents a couple of questions - one being the Trojan buttplate... another being the lack of a shield in the stock where a grade 1 would have had one.... third being the capped pistol grip if it is a Trojan stock but it doesn't have Trojan checkering.... and finally, if it is a replacement stock, to my mind it is a Parker Bros. stock... very interesting. The serial number 105322 is not in the book so we don't know the original barrel length but it appears to have cut barrels too. Probably down from 26" judging by your choke measurements.

Dean concerning the stock issues, since I'm not familiar with them, did any of the Trojan stocks issued have the capped pistol grip and lack of shield? I'm thinking the original stock may have been completely replaced with a Trojan stock at some point.

I know they'll never be great examples, but I'm hoping the 16 ga can be restored to be a shooter again.

Thanks for any insights,
Shane

[Bill Murphy]

Maybe if you tell us how much you paid, and maybe to whom, we could tell you if you got hurt, and if so, how badly.

[Dean Romig]

From what I can see of it I don't think it is a Trojan stock but probably the least expensive restock that Parker would do for a VH.... juat a WAG in any case.

Those loads would be OK but I tend to shoot even lighter loads in my sixteens than that and the ones I shoot are still very effective.

[D. Shane Burton]

Sorry above removing the load question, Dean. I read another thread afterward that was talking about the subject where you gave an answer, so I pulled the question, probably when you were writing your response.

Bill, I'll PM you the answer and see what you think.

Shane

[George Lander]

Shane: Why not take your Parkers to a good SxS gunsmith and get an estimate on what it would cost you to get them in shape for hunting? If all the pieces are there restoration might be your best option. Every acquisition is a learning experience.

Best Regards, George

[D. Shane Burton]

George,

Actually, that's what I've decided to do. I've already called a local gunsmith that has been in business a long time and is capable of fabricating parts. I mainly want him to go over the 16 gauge, but I will bring the 12 gauge and ask him if it's even worth evaluating. I'll probably bring them in Saturday morning.

I hope to get the 16 gauge shoot-worthy again.

What is everyone's opinion on me re-bluing and refinishing the guns, since they're already in poor condition? Yes? No? A no-no for resale or it doesn't matter due to condition?

Shane

[Dean Romig]

Some Hoppe's No. 9 and 0000 steel wool with patience will remove most of the hard accumulated crud and you may be surprised how nicely it will clean up. Probably re-blue the barrels if they're worn enough but the frame may look better just cleaned up.

[D. Shane Burton]

I'll try that, Dean.

Thanks,
Shane