Opinions - True/Best Definition of Parker Skeet Gun?

[Dean Weber]

I am interested in opinions for what I have studied here on the forum, within TPS, and my own observations.

I have read many opinions here on the forum on what makes a true Parker skeet gun. Typically what I see as a general prevailing opinion is as follows:

- 26" barrel
- Ejectors (SAEs)
- SSTs
- BTFE with reinforcing rod and one piece loop
- Straight stock with checkered butt or DHE and higher with SSBP
- Barrel flats stamped as Skeet out and Skeet in (L/R) or reverse choked

The Parker story and the table page 411 represents skeet guns from 1929-1942 with the following characteristics:

- Guns produced after 1925 (none with all characteristics until 1929)
- Gauges 12 and smaller
- SAEs
- SSTs
- BTFEs
- Barrel lengths 28" or shorter

Therefore, based upon the table in the TPS and what we know is likely found in research letters or even original hang tags, stock configuration and skeet choke marks/stamps were not taken into account in the compilation of the table on page 411. This is understandable due to what may be available in the records.

Further, figure 9.26/page 411 suggests choke markings/stamps began to appear in 1937. Additionally, we know from knowledgeable members who have posted on this subject that early skeet guns were choked a bit tighter than what we might see on very late Remington guns due to the evolution of the game of skeet.

Based upon my contrast above, what does the community say about the following fictional example...is this a skeet gun (I assume it would have been captured in the TPS chart)?

- 1937
- Straight grip DHE with SSBP
- SAEs
- SST
- BTFE
- 28" or 24" barrels
- Chokes not marked but reverse choked with say M/M

My point in bringing this up is we frequently debate proper choke markings on barrel flats for a skeet gun. Yet we know the table does not take that into account and we also know skeet out/skeet in was an adaptation of the maturation of skeet as a game. Is a skeet configured gun without "standard choke markings on the barrel flats not a skeet gun? what if it is choked Modified or tighter? Or is it simply proper to suggest guns 1937 and beyond we expect the markings and prior we do not?

Appreciate your opinions.