Need advice and info on 28ga Repro mods

[Steve Kleist]

Hi Marvin,
I also have a 28 ga Parker Reproduction two barrel set. One is 28" M/F and the other 26" is stamped IC/M, however the IC/M barrels have been opened up to about SKT/SKT.
Had the shorter set not have been opened for me, I would also have done so.
The open set is perfect for ruffed grouse and skeet, while the other is just fine for pheasants, waterfowl with bismuth, and a long sporting clays course.
Like you I bought the gun to shoot and the combination is fine, and I have not regretted the changes at all.
Just my 2 cents from a non expert Parker Reproduction enthusiast.
Good Luck.
Steve Kleist Ely, MN

[Setter Man]

Comment and then a question:

Comment: I have the same gun/configuration and I don't remember the last time I used the 28" barrels, primarily because I never need them. That being said, I may just have them opened because.... My suggestion would be to open them to IC/IM. Personally I want a little extra choke in the left barrel (but not XXF). Besides, It's always easier to take a little more choke out than to put it in.

Question: Regarding Mike Orlen, Mike has done a number of sets of barrels for me and I have always been extremely happy with his price and his turn-around time. However, recently there have been some comments about Mike on one of the other boards that have raised a flag. Specifically, he has become unresponsive to calls and letters and that barrels have languished for months. Anyone have any contact with Mike in the past few weeks?

Thanks,

DG