Parker VHE 20ga

Bill Murphy · 06-25-2014, 06:07 PM

In answer to Rich's anecdote about Winchesters, I could not send a field used Model 42 solid rib skeet to the refinishers. I just bought a field used solid rib Skeet Grade 42 for $2100, a great price. Refinished for about $1000, it would probably be worth about $2800 or $3000, not a bad deal. However, if the refinish didn't come out perfectly, it would be back to $2100. Conversely, in seven years, the original gun would probably be worth more than the refinished gun. I will defer to Rich's opinion of my figures. I could go either way on the gun in question. However, an unmolested VHE 20, even in field used condition, is a rare bird.

Bill Murphy · 06-25-2014, 06:21 PM

A thought to consider. Every year, there are thousands more Winchester pump guns being refinished, as well as hundreds more Parker 20s being refinished. If you do the math, every year, there are thousands fewer original Winchester pump guns available and hundreds fewer original Parker 20s available for the market. As I said earlier, I am on the edge on this particular gun. If it were mine, I would be using it as is. In fifty years of collecting Winchesters, I have had one Model 12 and two Model 42s worked on. The Model 12 was not successful and the two Model 42s were successfully "tweaked" by someone whose work probably can't be duplicated at any reasonable price. That is the extent of my Winchester refinishing history in fifty years and probably 100 guns.

Marcus Hoogewind · 06-25-2014, 06:52 PM

You all make some very good and convincing points. I'll have the gun gone through mechanically and professionally cleaned and likely leave it as it is. I was on the fence about the restoration but not crazy about the monetary investment. The money I save on not doing the restoration I can put into another Parker or more Winchester.