Parker stock reinforcing rod.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Clint Meier

Austin Hogan's comment about the grain in the reinforcing rod being oriented the same as the butt in Chuck's pic, and not at 90 degrees to it for maximum strength, got me to thinking. If the purpose was to reinforce the "curly" or "cross-grained" wood up in the neck or grip of the stock, could it be that the rod was oriented and glued into place to be at 90 degrees to the grain up in the neck or grip of the stock, with no regard to the grain orientation in the butt, where it wasn't needed and made no difference? Any thoughts gents?

Clint, your thoughts on the grain orientation of the reinforcing rod make perfect sense. Several such Parkers would need to be examined in order to support your theory however. Unfortunately there aren't very many with the reinforcing rod where the orientation of the grain can be easily determined. It would be interesting if members or visitors here can take a close look at their Parkers with this patented feature and post their findings here.