Modified Parker for sporting clays?

[B. Dudley]

The price range you mention is not at all out of line for a gun you will shoot and that fits you well. If all works as it should.

[Cliff Koehler]

Regarding the question on verification if the single trigger is a Miller, the name Miller is stamped on the flat close to the floor plate. No slide in front of trigger to select barrel.

Next step is to go back to the shop, ask the owner if I can break the gun down, measure bores, barrel thickness, note markings on flats, water table, and take some pictures. Hopefully he will allow me to contact the owner.

Thanks for the help and encouragement. Stay tuned.

Cliff

[Bill Murphy]

As you move the safety back and forth, what markings are on the top tang, under the safety? If the markings are "L", "R", and "S", you have a selective Miller trigger. If only the factory "SAFE" is engraved, the trigger is truly a scarce and unusual non selective Miller trigger.

[Cliff Koehler]

I believe just "SAFE" was engraved but will verify when I take a second look later this week. Does scarce mean unreliable and less desirable?

It is a very old DH receiver, #56,875.

[Bill Murphy]

All Miller triggers are quite reliable and do not detract from the value of a non-original Parker like this one. We don't yet know the status of the barrels or barrel markings. If the barrels are Parker barrels, we will ask about the type of bolt cut on the barrel lug. This gun originally had a plain bolt cut with no added or removable replacement plate to tighten the gun when it gets loose. Don't give up. This gun could still be a good shooting gun.

[Double Lab]

Cliff;
I have 2 Miller non-selective triggers, one in a 28ga and the other in a 20ga. which over a period of 40yrs. have worked flawlessly. They were a big improvement over the Parker single trigger (especially the early ones). I would not hesitate for a minute to purchase a gun with a Miller trigger and I am pleased to know that they are scarce and unusual as per Mr. Murphy.

[Cliff Koehler]

Gents,

I took a closer look at this gun yesterday afternoon. Additional information:

DH receiver serial #56,815 (not #56,875)
Barrel and forearm matching serial #101,278
Barrel flat markings: K superscript f, 4 superscript 1, 2 on back of lug, + sign just above both extractors.
Left barrel: bore .731", diameter .804", constriction .040"
Right barrel: bore .733", diameter .806", constriction .028"

As mentioned in the first post, the stock is non-original with modern dimensions, forearm heavily dinged and appears original, and a Simmons vent rib added with factory solid rib milled down prior to installation. Miller single non-selective trigger.

I am interested in this gun as a shooter for clays. I would open the chokes to IC/M. I realize it has no collector value given the mis-matched frame/barrel and modifications. If the gun can be bought for $1,500 or less, should I jump on it?

Thanks for all the great responses.

[Pa SxS]

The barrels and forend were from a VH. If the barrels lock up tight and the rest of the gun functions correctly, buy it for as little as possible, then have the chokes opened up and have fun!

[ddp]

Cliff,
it looks like a very nice shooter to me....i'd jump on it @ 1500
just my opinion. stock looks pretty good to me, are you sure about the restock ?
don't let the dimensions fool you, I have several originals with very modern dims. the miller should do you fine. I have a selective & a non, both work great.
ddp

[BRDHNTR]

Cliff, what is the consignment price on this gun you're considering? Several have asked you this question.