Shooter Trojan

[B. Dudley]

Basically every since every Parker was hand fitted. Every top lever position and the filing on the top of it is unique. Some levers are centered, some to the right and some to the left some. But they were all like that from the factory.

The amount that a Parker top lever can move due to wear is very little.

[J. A. EARLY]

From the picture of the forend, it looks to me as if someone has put a piece of wood over the original forend. Could it be that it could be removed to find the original underneath, or am I seeing something that is not there?

[Larry the Gun Guy]

OMG that forend is a Duzie! And look Russ if this SxS thing doesn't work out you can always be a writer entertaining us with your yarns.

It's just me, but I don't think I would get more than a grand in that project.

Take care and good shooting!

[Blue Collar]

Jerry, I do not believe the original forend is embedded in the new 1" X 2" piece of walnut. I will have the gun in my possession in a week or two and am going to have a much closer look. I see what you mean about appearing that way but I am afraid it is not the case.

[Blue Collar]

Larry, thanks for the comments. We Scotsmen do like to spin a yarn from time to time. ;<)

As for the budget, I am trying to keep this project to where I am not upside down on the investment versus value or worth equation. That said, I will likely finish this project no matter where it leads.

This is, after all, my first Parker so it has some sentimental significance. Second, the only way to ever get your money back out of one of these is to 1) finish the project (the unfinished project makes the gun nearly unsaleable save as a parts gun or finding someone as crazy as me) and 2) hold it for a number of years and hope the value goes up.

In looking for a 20 gauge one of my first thoughts was "I love 20 gauge guns for upland work" and I also had it in my mind that the current craze for over pricing small bore nicer grades might spill over into a little shooter Trojan. Only time will tell. I am going to keep it and shoot it no matter what.

With that in mind, I am on the hunt for another project gun like this one in the smaller bores. Be it 16 gauge or 28 gauge. These Trojans have kind of captured my heart. I think I will find another lonely soul in some out of the way location and bring it home, breath new life into it, and make it a shooter trojan.

As I acquire things my niche seems to be highly functional upper end blue collar toys. In fact my project fly fishing gear was described as just that by a dear friend who helped me set it up correctly. I may change my handle on PGCA to that.

Enjoy!

[Blue Collar]

Well, folks this tale has come to an end. After lots and lots of deliberation. Many conversations with knowledgeable folks. Some serious, "what do you really want to do here" conversations with myself; I have decided to pass on this project/restoration gun.

I have to tell you I am unsure if I am doing the right thing or not. I have waffled back and forth and still can see reasons I should have done this project.

But I have decided to move on. I have even, since, purchased another Parker, VH, in nice shape, shootable as it is, and ready to get down to some serious bird work. From a cost standpoint I would have been nearly a push. By the time I got the butt stock and forend work done, barrel work completed and screws and such resolved I would have been within a $150 of the price of the VH I bought. Both 20 gauge so I think this is the way to step into the Parker Collector's arena. Thanks again all, for your thoughts, encouragement, and kind analysis as I bumbled into my first double gun and further my first Parker.

One final thought before I get out of here. If anyone has any questions regarding this gun please PM me. I am considering this case closed. Good shooting, all.

[Pittypatdugan]

Nobody had the heart to tell you that was a $ 700.00 Gun max, maybe