books on Parkers -- ratings?

[OH Osthaus]

after our recent enlightened discussion on e books

I thought this might be both interesting to both new and old forum members

There have been several books done on the Parker Shotgun, from Johnson's little tome to the two volume Parker Story set, as well as Muderlak's works and more. I have several, and of course I still need some others, and there will be many new members wont have any yet.

So how would the readers here rank the various titles? Parker titles only, there are shelves full ( mine at least) of generic double shotgun interest books.

based on value of the information available in them what would your ranking be -- could be as a must have vs nice to have or best reading or too much outdated research information.

[Richard B. Hoover]

Rick,

I think everyone would agree the two Volume Parker Story is heads and shoulders above all other books on the Parker. Of course, it is also a lot more expensive, but anyone who is truly interested in Parkers should buy this set. It is truly wonderful.

Richard

[Parkerman]

I would agree, it is no contest.

[Bindlestiff]

I agree with Rick, "the two Volume Parker Story is heads and shoulders above all other books" on Parker Bros. shotguns. The Larry Baer and Ed Muderlak book order are interchangeable and lastly the Peter Johnson book. BUT, the order is irrelevant because I recommend owning and reading all of them if you have an interest in Parker Bros.

For those who want a list of these books and a short description of each, this can be found in our FAQ answer page at http://parkerguns.org/pages/faq/learn.htm

[charlie cleveland]

i to agree that the parker story is the best...they are costly but if you buy allk the needed info thats in them from other books it will cost you more than the parker storey..so there really not a bad buy after all...love those beautiful full color pictures of those high grades.... charlie

[Opening Day]

Originally Posted by Robin Lewis

I agree with Rick, "the two Volume Parker Story is heads and shoulders above all other books" on Parker Bros. shotguns. The Larry Baer and Ed Muderlak book order are interchangeable and lastly the Peter Johnson book. BUT, the order is irrelevant because I recommend owning and reading all of them if you have an interest in Parker Bros.

For those who want a list of these books and a short description of each, this can be found in our FAQ answer page at http://parkerguns.org/pages/faq/learn.htm

I agree Robin on the Parker Story, but I would take Muderlak's book over Baer's book for one reason, the photography in Ed's book is so much better then Baer's book.

[Hammer Gun]

The Parker Story, Muderlak, Baer 1-2, Johnson. Hats off to Johnson it is a classic!, yea full of mistakes but at the time of printing it sufficed,

[Parker Bachelder (Brad's Profile)]

I fully agree with the order,

The Parker Story books live on the bench, they are dog eared, well greased and oil soaked. The other three live on the bookshelf. Hardly a day goes by that they are not used for comparisons and data.

Brad

[Autumn Daze]

I agree with the Parker Story is first. This 2 volume set is a masterpiece and when I really think about the amount of information that has been put into this great set I am still amazed.After the Parker Story I would recommend "Shooting Flying and the American Experience" by Ed Muderlak this is a great followup to TPS and in a way continues the whole experience. After that the rest of Ed's book,Baer and Mr. Johnson. All great in their own right.

[Blind Dog]

When I was high school age, my neighbor, a Doc who impressed me in all ways, had a couple of Parkers and informed me that Parkers were the best. I thought my Dad's model 11 was the best gun around (I had a Topper 20 at the time, which I still have). About 50 years ago, I found an 1884 12ga 0 grade lifter for $20, which I still have. My brother and I used it quite a bit, loading our own BP shells (twist was unsafe at any speed then). About 12 years ago I came across EDM's "Old Reliable"; he mentioned the PGCA and I joined. It's been down hill ever since. I acquired TPS a year later. So, for books, I would say that Ed's was most important for me and TPS is the most comprehensively infomative. However, the PGCA members I have met and examined their guns and talked with; and, read their comments and seen their photos on this site, probably, are more signifiant to me than the books.