Remington quality?

[todd allen]

Sorry if this has been asked/answered before.
I have a Remington era 20ga DHE, and a few early (pre-Remington) guns.
I have heard various different opinions over the years, but would like to hear from this group. (the definitive source IMO)

BTW, after viewing an earlier thread with comments knocking this site, I would like to thank all here for your contributions to the world of Parkers, and fine gun collecting. Absolutely priceless!
I don't post much, but I check in most everyday.

[Bill Murphy]

Remington Parkers are just wonderful. There is nothing lacking in those guns.

[Richard Flanders]

The Remington era V grades often have some incredible wood compared to earlier V grades. I have a 26" SG VH12 that has a beautiful blonde stock that you'd never see on an older gun. Of all the shotguns I own, I shoot it the best of all at game birds.

[Dean Romig]

I agree with Bill and Richard and will add that Remington took some "liberties" with some of their Parkers in very nice wood for the grade, some unusual and interesting checkering patterns that were not the norm for a particular grade. Russ Jackson's CHE 20 comes to mind here. But, just like Parker Bros. in Meriden, the customer could have just about anything he wanted (within reason and in good taste) Bill Murphy's "Hearts" gun comes to mind here. I like the Remington Parkers very much but not more than the earlier Parker Bros. guns.

[Buddy Marson]

Just my humble opinion, in the short version. Parker Brothers manufactured "The Parker Bros. Gun" in Meriden, CT until Remington purchased the gun company, it's equipment, and hired some employees and moved the business to Ilion, NY where they reproduced the Parker Bros gun under the name of "Parker". Remington was not allowed to use the "Parker Bros" logo.
In 1984 Tom Skeuse Sr. owner of Reagent Chemical Company introduced another Parker reproduction. This gun was labeled "The Parker Reproduction by Winchester" in order to circumvent the copy rights held by Remington.
All are very fine guns in their own right. If you desire an orginial Parker look for the "Parker Bros" label engraved on the gun. Enjoy the journey!
Buddy

[David]

I absolutely disagree with Mr.Marson's comment about the Remington made Parkers. In my humble opinion, I think they're as well made or better so than any of the Parkers.

[Dean Romig]

Remington purchased the Parker gun works but didn't "reproduce" the Parker Gun. The manufacture of the Parker Gun never ceased during this transition and it continued to be manufactured in Meriden CT from the date of purchase, in January of 1934, until sometime in 1937 when the Parker operation was moved to the Ilion NY location.

[Autumn Daze]

It is true that Remington Parkers had great wood on them for the most part. Looking at it from the stand point of construction,once Remington started making their own barrels for the Parker Gun they were made from Chrome -Moly tubing.The same material Remington made all their shotgun barrels from. In that sense later Remington Parkers were better constructed guns.

[Jared V.]

It is true that Remington made barrels but they also used many Meriden Produced barrels. Not all Remington Parkers have Remington barrels especially during the transition and move to Ilion. Perhaps someone with more knowledge then myself on the subject could tell us this; Once production was completely moved to Ilion, were all the barrels Remington produced or did they use up remaining inventory of Meriden barrels when available in the correct grade/configuration? What is the earliest serial # with Remington barrels? What is the latest serial # with Meriden barrels?
JJV

[Ed Blake]

Originally Posted by David Long

I absolutely disagree with Mr.Marson's comment about the Remington made Parkers. In my humble opinion, I think they're as well made or better so than any of the Parkers.

In what way are you disagreeing with Buddy? He said all Parkers no matter by whom they were manufactured are all fine guns.