Unusual 28-ga. 2-bbl. set

[Wild Skies]

Absolutely, any alteration i.e. recoloring, grinding metal to relieve choke, cutting stock to install a pad, etc. to an original Parker Repro will affect it's long term monetary value. There are those that will argue that it will increase personal value, however---and they are right. A gun has only one crack at being original--and original is what collectors want.

[Ross Alvord]

I understand. I am most concerned with retaining highest potential investment value for now, thus, I must live with the imperfections I guess. Wish it was new, but not, yet very nice, just not "as new." If I owned it from new it would typically be as good in 20 years or more. Sometimes I am a perfectionist, expecially in valuable items. But, better to own something at 98-99% rather than nothing. All my firearms except "shooters" are likely 98%or better.

Thanks for all replies, you folks have surprised me very favorably, most kind to respond. Quick responses with some great advice. I like the "Parker" afficionados already. Again, thanks for being such fine firearm folks.

[esetter - Gerry Addison]

Ross, I was where you are a little while ago with regards to having perfect guns. Now, I shoot and enjoy all of my guns. I take the imperfections that come with a used gun and smile as that allows me to shoot it even more. Those "new" guns are no fun to me any longer, and as a nice old gunsmith once said to me, "go ahead, shoot it. Anything you can break, I can fix." I say that to myself every time I take a nice SXS grouse hunting as I did today. Took a nice grouse over my setter with a nice old 20Ga Parker original straight grip that I had restocked a few years ago.

[Ross Alvord]

Good thoughts. I admit, I have a few firearms now I feel compelled not to shoot simply due to their age and unshot condition. So, it is actually good to know/feel I can keep it in "as now" condition, but enjoy it more because I can feel fine about shooting it. I'm good with the idea. Thanks. I should have it by end of week.

[Ross Alvord]

Thanks for the advice earlier from all Members that replied. I did purchase the Parker DHE Repo 28 ga. with 2 bbls 26" IC/Mod and 28" Mod/Full in case with zip cover case. Very nice indeed.

Where can we identify the actual year of production? I haven't yet found where the serial numbers are registered to identify the circa. Given that these were built by Winchester, are there any "actual records" kept that indicate the "history" of the Repos?

[SXS OHIO]

Ross......The parker repo's have a stormy past. Winchester had nothing to do with marketing these guns. Parker Reproductions was a stand alone company. After the loss of the factory in Japan everything was moved to the U.S. and stored in a basment warehouse. At some point a mojor flud filled this building with water and everything was lost...including production records. We have very little facts to go on. The good thing, its realy fun!.....Ross ..go back and read all the parker repro posts, lots of stuff about them has already been covered......thanks all SXS ohio

[Reproman]

Ross,

Go to the PGCA Home Page and click on "Parker Grades" then scroll down to "The Parker Reproduction by Winchester" section which contains production info. At the bottom of that section you'll see a button "View Winchester Reproduction Literature". That will take you to some interesting articles and brochures from the period.

[Ross Alvord]

Thank you for the comments and info. Good suggestions. I guess we have to appreciate the Repos on their own merit and what they "are" as a group. I admit, I much favor "originals" but these seem to have some attraction themselves, and they certainly are very nice shotguns at that. Appear to be fine quality. I'll read up more.