Warning on Parker 3644

[Jay Oliver]

I was looking at the current Wards auctions and saw a listing for a beautiful early 10 gauge lifter. I then realized that I had bought this gun in 2015, but returned it after the inspection period due to a few cracks in the barrels. In my initial post I didn't put a space between the serial # so it doesn't show up on our forum if you search the serial # which is 3644

I paid a lot more than the current bid which was part of the reason I returned it. For the right price you could certainly pay for for repairs(if possible) or find new barrels(and to be honest I am a little tempted to watch the auction and possibly bid). This was my first higher grade Parker and I loved everything about it. I paid $4k for it and just couldn't live with the barrels needing work for that price. And the barrels might not be fixable. I do have the PGCA letter on it as well.

Here is my original post from 2015: http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16194

Here is the link to the gun on Wards(I hope I am not violating any rules by posting this...): https://www.wardscollectibles.com/vi....php?item=4346

The description looked familiar "bores are excellent and bright" The way the lighting is you don't see one of the cracks at first because of the glare. But I was able to see it after going back and forth between pictures.

Anyway, hopefully this will help someone make an informed purchase...

[mobirdhunter]

Jay, thanks for the alert.

[WHO]

I asked the question of Wards regarding this gun because the photo shows what looks like a crack right above the forend of the right barrel. This was Eric Ward's response: " The barrel does have fracture, no dents or bulges ". This was two days ago and their description of the gun hasn't changed to include this observation. The current bid amount however keeps increasing.

[B. Dudley]

That is a shame. It looks like a great gun otherwise.

So they will disclose it only if asked about it? How do these places get away with this crap. I guess that is just the way it is. Always have your guard up.

[Andy]

What is funny is I JUST got done looking at that gun about two minutes ago, with no intention to buy it for the simple reason I don't have any desire to. Great info to pass along Jay.

[Andy]

And I'm just going to throw this out there, don't flame me. But what if you got it for CHEAP and you put Briley tubes in it, is that a solution to at least make it safe as a 12 ga shooter??

[Jay Oliver]

My guess is this one has been passed around a few times with buyers being surprised and upset. From memory, I believe the chambers had been lengthened 2 7/8" but don't hold me to that. I don't know if you can put 12 gauge tubes in a 10, maybe 16 gauge tubes.

To me this might be a good one to buy and search for a second set of barrels(if you got it at the right price). The gun did have great stock dimensions. It fit me perfectly. Edit- from the PGCA Letter LOP is 14 1/2 not 14 as listed on the auction description and 14 1/2 is my magic LOP#

The gun is being misrepresented and I see the buyer being upset and rightfully so.

[Phil Yearout]

Apparently they don't disclose it even IF asked about it

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by Andrew Sacco

And I'm just going to throw this out there, don't flame me. But what if you got it for CHEAP and you put Briley tubes in it, is that a solution to at least make it safe as a 12 ga shooter??

Yes, that is an option. A heavy option for a 12 bore, but an option. Then find another 10g bbl set for that frame and you have a two-fer. Better than having a nice gun never shot again or used for parts.

[Bill Murphy]

Jay, a PGCA search for that serial number will still not identify that gun. You put a period after the 3644 in your post.