Parker 20 Gauge VHE Question - Page 5

Dean Romig · 08-01-2013, 11:35 AM

"K" is the mark of Walter King who took the position of Superintendant of the Parker Bros. Gunworks succeeding his father, Charles A. King, in October 1908. We often see W.K. on barrel flats which may have been his mark before Walter King took the position of Superintendant. For the 'last word' on these matters consult The Parker Story for accuracy of details.

EdSartell · 08-01-2013, 01:16 PM

Dean,

That's what Bill P. told me. Thanks.

EdSartell · 08-09-2013, 05:01 PM

This gun came with a splinter fore end. The previous owner had a new stock and fore end made. But he had made a beaver tail fore end made. I have read that the beavertail barrel lug has additional soldering for strength. I cant see how this lug could fail just by changing from splinter to beavertail. What possible/additional stresses are there, excluding a poor fit

10 bore · 08-09-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EdSartell

This gun came with a splinter fore end. The previous owner had a new stock and fore end made. But he had made a beaver tail fore end made. I have read that the beavertail barrel lug has additional soldering for strength. I cant see how this lug could fail just by changing from splinter to beavertail. What possible/additional stresses are there, excluding a poor fit

When shooting a splinter forend you hold on barrels and wood, With beavertail you just hold on wood and all recoil force is on forend lug only, I have seen it break the lug free

scott

EdSartell · 08-09-2013, 05:15 PM

If I choose to use the beavertail Id like to have the strength on the lug. Who can or how is it possible to add material to the lug?

Fishtail · 08-12-2013, 09:22 PM

My guess is it was ordered with a short LOP because the user planned to have on a bunch of clothes and a heavy jacket in a blind. Maybe it was ordered with short barrels to make it easier to hoist up and out of a blind.

GH-16 · 08-12-2013, 09:45 PM

Ed,

You have came across a very unique VHE-20ga. Now that you have the letter you can tell the gun was a special order for a special purpose.

IMHO, Because of the unique nature of this gun it would probably be considered a collectable VHE. If this were my gun I'd leave the original wood on it & keep it as close to the factory specs as possible. Any alterations you do to the gun will de-value the gun. If your not happy with it the way it is, I'd suggest placeing it for sale here in the member section & then look for the Parker which will make you happy & buy it when you find it.

I'd bet there are members who would be willing to trade something of equal value out of their collection for your gun.

Good luck with it, you have a really neat one off 20ga.

Paul

EdSartell · 08-13-2013, 06:48 AM

I've considered that this was ordered for a unique purpose. I've ruled out that it was for a youth since the weight is 7lbs 7oz. As for the stock, I was fortunate that the previous owner had a new stock made for this gun. I will keep the old stock for value sake.