I Saw the Light

[Mills]

Have any other Fred Gilbert SBT's surfaced?

[GunnerGrilli]

Well Gentlemen what a day. I inherited my first SBT a few years back, it is Serial #185102. About a month ago I purchased several more SBT's with the dream of shooting them. That dream happened today at the local Trap Range. I brought a couple just in case a friend of mine was so inclined to join in the fun. This is the first time I have ever shot an SBT.........first time I even shouldered the gun. What a blast. Broke 25 straight the first time out of the case. A very surreal experience...........I just love it. Birds that I should not have normally hit if I where shooting my normal gun just broke!! Amazing!! When I was on, there was nothing better. Talk about "Smashing Clays". Had such a great time and feel so awesome!! Just a great experience and so glad we made it happen. I finally convinced my buddy to shoot the other SBT I brought. We had (2) SBT's on the line..................all the local trap guys where definitely fixated on the (2) out of town guys smashing clays both with SBT's!! That time we came off the line both with 24.............not too shabby. Sure hope to meet and shoot with some of you gentlemen soon.

[John Davis]

Great shooting. Keep carrying those Parkers to the line.

[Mills]

The question is whether he owned any other SBTs during that time.

[Trap3]

Someone might check serial # 180116? In my years of trapshooting and collecting I remember reading Fred Gilbert shooting this SBT...

Trap3

[Mills]

I saw an ad Parker put out about Gilbert's straight run and the SBT pictured is a higher grade than mine and also a straight grip. That still is not conclusive though.

[Pa SxS]

S/N 180116 was ordered by Fred Gilbert but if I read the order book entry correctly, it looks like he ordered it with the intent to sell. The entry reads "charge his reg a/c (account?) will remit when sold". It's a standard SC with a CPG at $150.00.

Also unusual is that the stock book entry has F. Gilbert. I don't ever recall a name being in a stock book entry.

[J. Scott Hanes]

I looked online (am sure others have, too) and found a couple photos of Gilbert. One had him holding a Parker double. There is a Parker ad touting his record and showing a SBT, but that is no indication of his using any particular gun. The forend in the ad has the forend with the grooves along the side. Photo attached.

Really interesting mystery.

Scott Hanes

[Mills]

That is the ad I was talking about

[Tom Flanigan]

Originally Posted by John Davis

There was a time when I turned my nose up at Parker SBT's. Or any SBT for that matter. I was down right snobbish. Then I got into trap. And I took notice of these exquisite guns. The lines are perfect. The balance is perfect. And when you find one that fits you, it's perfect. I am very blessed because I've got three that fit me. Perfect!

.

Wow, I can't imagine turning up your nose on a Parker SBT. Especially since my favorite SBT, one that fits me perfectly, is the Shelly Gitman SC you sold me. I shoot it three times a week and a lot of folks have asked questions about the gun. It's a head turner.

I also have a near mint true original finish DHE trap gun with all extras. It stays home most of the time in deference to the SC.

I'm glad you saw the light!