wood for vh grade parker

[BRDHNTR]

While I appreciate that Parkers were stocked with American Walnut wood (at least the VH grades I assume) are there any circumstances, or would one be committing a mortal sin if one were to restock a VH grade Parker with a nice grade of English Walnut? No plans to sell the Parker, just pass it on to close friend eventually.

[Dean Romig]

What would be the problem? If it is done professionally and tastefully - why not?
Look at the stunning wood people upgrade their A H Foxes with. Go for it - but save the original for posterity.

[Bill Murphy]

I had my VH pigeon gun restocked in English Walnut. It is not real fancy, but it is a nice piece of wood. I think I'll drag it out and look at it.

[BRDHNTR]

I have been talking with Brian D. about restocking tis VHE Parker and Brian indicates he has some blanks that would be suitable. I've also spoken with Cecil Fredi (What a nice guy!) and Cecil has been kind enough to send me samples pics of American and English walnut blanks. Trouble is, there are samples in both that I really like! Waiting for pics from Brian's supply.

[OH Osthaus]

I believe this falls far below "mortal sin"

Even those who use American black walnut on a restock tend to exceed the original grade

IMHO. Once it's restocked -and therefore no longer original - make it fit and look as nice as you can

[B. Dudley]

It depends on if you want it to Look factory original or not. If you want a custom gun, then it doesnt matter.

The amount of original condition to the metal should be a determining factor as well.

[Bill Murphy]

American Walnut is very fancy in the higher grades. English Walnut looks very much more elegant, whether in plainer grades or fancier grades. I dug out my VH Pigeon Gun, examined the Dan Rossiter restock. There is no doubt in my mind that the English Walnut, even though it is not exceptionally fancy, it is much more elegant than even fancier American Walnut would be. This is probably the most elegant pigeon gun built since Burt Becker quit building guns. As I recall, the English blank was a gift from our member Tom Tutwiler.

[Bill Murphy]

Tell us about your plans for your VHE. What are your specifications for the grip, the butt, you name it.

[BRDHNTR]

Well let's see. LOP-14 1/2, DAC- 1 1/2, DAH-2 1/2 to hard Parker Butt plate, Oil finish, checkering a per original/correct to Parke VHE's. Metal finish is probably 50% on case colors and we will leave alone. Barrels are fine as refinished by Brad B. This will be just a re-stocking to new config. as per above. I am gleaning towards going with American Walnut but have not excluded English wood as yet. Grip and butt will be as original. This project is not an overall upgrade except for wood.

[BRDHNTR]

Purchased a very nice blank from Cecil Fredi today in American Black Walnut from a large selection of blank pictures he emailed to me. I'd post the blank I selected but can't figure out how to take it out of the slide show he sent.