common things to look out for when buying a sbt

[Bill Murphy]

Ithaca Knicks were normally fitted with the Ithaca "Sunburst" pad. Parkers were commonly fitted with a Silver pad or a Hawkins pad. The Hawkins with the straight vents was not normally used. A repro Silver, as sold by Griffin and Howe, is the pad I have used for a long time on large butt guns.

[Trap3]

Original Hawkins on Parker SC, pic #1

Original Silvers(100+years old hard as a rock) 1st variation Baker SBT, pic#2

Original Hawkins on Baker Elite SBT, pic#3

Original Ithaca Sunburst Pad, pic#4

Trap3

[Trap3]

Originally Posted by bob kuczynski

what were the most common pads used on those sbt's from the period?

Here are a couple more recoil pads used on vintage SBT`s...
These are original Jostams Mfg. HY-GUN and ANTI-FLINCH...

Trap3

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by bob kuczynski

what were the most common pads used on those sbt's from the period? I know some co's sell retro pads. if I had to replace a rotted one, which would you use?

My SC SBT no. 177xxx came with a crumbled, crusty Silver's Pad which I replaced with a new one. Perfect bore. Some one had stored it in a cheap plastic zippered case which held moisture and it rusted. When I first saw the gun all of the metal parts had turned orange. Luckily the rust came right off with soft rubbing with 4x and light oil. Had to have the barrel latch spring replaced. Beautiful wood, beaver tail forearm which I think is a factory replacement because the color doesn't match the stock very well. Straight grip with a chip out that runs along the lower tang. Patterns high, as it should. Perfect balance and she swings sweet as can be.

[Gary Cripps]

Looking for advice or a correct pad. I was lucky to pick up a nice early (1918) SBT about a year ago. The fellow I bought it from had replaced the pad himself (poorly) just before selling it. I have been looking for a pad since buying the gun without success. I finally ordered one from Connecticut Shotgun and got it over to my smith. He called today to say it couldn't be fitted. The vent slots were too close to the top and bottom ends. Only an 1/8 " of material would be left after fitting and this he said would not hold up. I called Connecticut and they said they only had this one size available. Is there another source or another brand that would be appropriate for this vintage gun?

[Gary Cripps]

The above pad I ordered was a Hawkins which I thought correct.

[Bill Murphy]

In 1918, a solid red Silver pad would be more correct, and would not have problems like you experienced.

[Phil Yearout]

Orphan Annie wears a Horseshoe Brand pad and a Plexiglas spacer. I think they're period correct...as long as the period is the '50's or '60's !

[Stepmac]

When I bought my SBT 20 plus years ago from a family friend I had no idea about them. I bought the gun $1500 because it was a Parker. It's an early SC and I've shot it a bunch. It was pretty well worn, but the bore is nice and so is the wood. Straight stock. I can't think of anything specifically to look for when buying one. If you find one, unless it is trashed, buy it.

[Bill Murphy]

Bob K., Parker trap guns do not have "trunnions". Some trap guns, such as Berettas and Perazzis, have trunnions, but Ithacas, Foxes and Parkers do not. They have a lug with a circular recess that revolves around a hinge pin. Side play is not usually a problem, but wear to the locking lug surfaces is sometimes a problem. Such a problem is easily fixed by a competent gunsmith, if you can find such a thing.