VH 16 gauge on “0” frame assistance

Edward Malovic · 10-07-2018, 09:14 PM

Hello, I am a new forum user. I just joined the group as I just purchased my first Parker. It is a VH 16 gauge with a size 0 frame. I bought it as a wall hangar because it has a busted forearm. I don’t have much into this one so I am looking into repair options. First, this thing is beautiful, someone before me put a lot of money into this 1901 gun to make it like this. I have an itch to shoot this one. It locks up really tight. The one picture shows the break on the forearm. It goes thru. It was however glued back together. How they did it I don’t know but here we are. So questions are, is it worth sending out for repair or possible replacement? Can anyone tell me by looking at it who might have done the work? It is superb wood and metal finishes and the wood fitment is equally superb. The stock is very nicely figured, not your ordinary stock. Any input is appreciated, I am sure there will be more discussion on this. Thank you! Ed

J. A. EARLY · 10-07-2018, 10:05 PM

If it was put back together and is still together, shoot it as it is. Someone did put a lot of money into the gun before you. It should not be a problem ever again. Nice shooter.

B. Dudley · 10-08-2018, 07:38 AM

Hardly a wall hanger with a cracked forend. If it is glied together securely, then it is no more than a cosmetic issue at this point. Either way, a replacement forend could pe put on the gun without too much trouble.

The cyanide type coloring on the frame is typical of DelGregos work, but it is not a definite that they did refinish the gun. But they may have. The lack of the proper mullered borders on the checkeing is also a cue to that as there were times where they were not cutting the proper borders in guns that they worked on.

Dean Romig · 10-08-2018, 08:59 AM

You could remove one screw and lift and turn the trigger guard tang to see if there are any stamps or identifying stamps in the wood indicating who may have done the work.

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edgarspencer · 10-08-2018, 10:42 AM

That's the most common location of fore end breaks, because people put too much pressure on it, in front of the latch, where it is weakest. It doesn't help that the grain appears to run entirely in the wrong direction.

Edward Malovic · 10-08-2018, 12:58 PM

Ok so the question of the hour, what's it worth currently and is it worth putting money into the forearm?

Dean Romig · 10-08-2018, 01:02 PM

Yes that gun is indeed worth getting the forearm inspected and repaired (if necessary).

If you lift and turn the trigger guard you might even see something like this...

-LDG- (Larry Del Grego)

-229442- serial number (not in any of the records in the possession of the PGCA)

-4-26-78- Date of service by Del Grego

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Edward Malovic · 10-08-2018, 06:13 PM

Well I took a look under the trigger guard and all that was there was a matching serial number. Here are a couple more pics.

charlie cleveland · 10-08-2018, 07:10 PM

you have a very nice gun...looks like to me it doesnot need anything but going hunting with it....charlie

J. A. EARLY · 10-08-2018, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edward Malovic

Ok so the question of the hour, what's it worth currently and is it worth putting money into the forearm?

To answer the second question I would rather have the original forearm (if it is) with a crack than another on which the finish may not match. I would shoot it as it is.