Should I keep or not:

[Stepmac]

Originally Posted by Bruce Bruner

Negotiations were started today to resolve my dissatisfaction with the Parker Bros. GH that has a cracked tang that was not disclosed when describing the gun on the telephone. I called the business and talked with an associate and we discussed possible remedies that would be suitable. Aside from just returning the shotgun I suggested that I should be credited $275.00 for the repair cost. He told me his boss would be in touch with a decision. Guess what, I didn't get a return call today. In terms of immediate headache relief I'm going to print up a FedEx label and drop the package off in the morning. I appreciate everyone's help in this matter. Thank you all for being here to share my misery. Bruce

I guess your post and mine crossed. I think that your decision to send it back is okay and you can keep looking, which is fun after all.

Someone above said that you should go with your "gut" reaction and I concur. A sellor who misrepresents a gun is stealing isn't he? Borders on fraud doesn't it. Or maybe it is fraud. So, sure send it back. Dishonesty should not be rewarded with success.

[Bruce B.]

I was packaging up a Shiloh Sharps this morning for shipment. When I set it up for FedEx delivery the earliest the system would let me ship was Monday. So much for shipping the Parker back today, wasn't in the cards. Well, Monday would have been the last day of the three day return period, just counting working days. I had not yet received the call from "The Boss" to negotiate a resolution to my predicament, so I called them up again to let them know I had not yet been contacted and I inquired if the three day return policy would be waived. And yes the inspection period would be waived and when the dept. manager returned from a few days off I would be contacted to resolve the issue. The plan of action we had discussed on Friday to be credited a couple hundred dollars was still on the table. The 1896 Parker GH 11/2 frame 12 gauge is still in my possession and the outcome is as of yet unresolved. I know this whole thing sounds absolutely crazy but I am sure many of you have experienced similar situations. I am not emotionally involved now, so whatever the outcome I really don't care one way or the other. I still like the gun, if I end up with it for a reduced price...good, if it goes back for a refund...good. Bruce

[Stepmac]

My gun is a #2 frame GH 12 F&F made in 1896. It looks kind of like your gun and has similar wood, which looks pretty darn good. I like my gun, and being a 2 frame it has thick walls. No old finish, original varnish I think. I like GHs.

[Bruce B.]

Still waiting for my phone call to negotiate terms. In the meantime I called Brad Bachelder to get a ballpark estimate to repair the 1/8" X 2" crack from the tang into the checkering. The crack starts out at a touch less than 1/8" and tapers until it's end and surprisingly it does not originate at the lower tang screw, but it's close. Brad was very accommodating. I learned the repair can be accomplished for a reasonable cost, depending on the severity under the surface. We discussed measuring the barrel wall thickness and removing the three small dents. If the gun is deemed safe to shoot I am tempted to have him bring the barrels finish back to the original black and white. The barrels exhibit an even powdery rust colored patina and with much use they would easily wear to silver. It looks like with an additional fairly modest outlay of cash the Parker Bros. could become structurally sound and be an attractive vintage double.
Bruce

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

You will not find a nicer gentleman to deal with than Brad. And you will appreciate his work.

[Mills]

Bruce, Now you need to join the PGCA along with us other Parker addicts

[George M. Purtill Member #28]

Originally Posted by Mills Morrison

Bruce, Now you need to join the PGCA along with us other Parker addicts

And we have fun too. Come to an annual meeting and banquet.
Or our shoots where we face off against the Fox and Smith boys.

[Mills]

Also, you get a reduced rate on research letters. If you decide to keep the gun, you should get a research letter. I learned I have guns from Norfolk, Va, San Francisco, Kentucky and even Canada

[Bruce B.]

I patiently waited for "the phone call", it came on Saturday. I was asked if I was okay with having the cracked tang repaired and then forwarding them the receipt and getting reimbursed, up to $200.00! Their offer was accepted. I am very pleased with this outcome, so now the old "GH" is headed straight to Mr. Bachelder, the master in Michigan. Excellent!
I also received two brass Parker head stamped 12 gauge shells over the weekend in lieu of shipping charges for a recent sale.
I am so relieved, everything has been worked out. Bruce

[OH Osthaus]

Good news - great that you are happy with the outcome.

pictures when it returns from Michigan are of course required.