Rules regarding a restorstion project.

[TroutSetter]

I had my VH 20 Ga restocked. When I got it, the stock had already been replaced by someone else, rather poorly. The fit and finish wasn't correct at all. The stock was missing the inlaid shield, correct pistol grip cap, and correct buttplate. So, it was a great candidate for restoration.

I had it restocked to my dimensions. But, as Brian points out, my letter identified the original grip configuration and I left that alone. I prefer a straight stock, but chose to leave it as a capped pistol grip with the proper buttplate, shield, and cap. I also had the chambers lengthened to 2 3/4", but I left the original chokes alone.

I wanted to leave the gun in as much original configuration as possible, but have one that fits me and serve well in the grouse woods. If I had the original stock to keep with the gun, I might have been more willing to go with a straight grip on the restock. Either way, my PGCA letter, and the letter stating the work that I had done will be handed down with the gun as part of its story. Documentation is important.

To me, the story these old Parkers tell is a big part of the allure. As others have said, it's your gun and an opportunity to make it what you want, one that will become a family heirloom. You shouldn't be afraid to add to its story!