Now what do I do?

[Ray Masciarella]

I have more stock problems then Carter has liver pills! Please give me your thoughts.

I have a beautiful grade AH. Never refinished. Beautiful top grade wood. Circa 1890's. Very few minor dings and dangs. Problem: broken wrist. Well repaired long ago but my guess is that it will break if I shoot the gun. So now what do I do without devaluing the gun?

I have no doubt it can be professionally repaired. Problem is that it will have to be refinished and recheckered once the repairs are done if I want them to disappear. I could just have it repaired and not make the repairs disappear. At least I could shoot it.

What hurts the value more: 1) leave it the way it is and not shoot it; 2) repair it and have it refinsihed/recheckered; 3) Just repair it and leave the damage showing?

I thinking a broken stock is always a broken stock so I can't hurt the value by refinishing it but I'm a rookie who probably doesn't know any better so I'm hoping you all can help me before I make a big mistake.

Thanks, Ray

[Jim Kucaba]

Ray ... You sound like the kind of guy who would be honest enough to tell a potential buyer that the stock had been broken and repaired, so don't deny yourself the pleasure if shooting such a fine gun ... Have it repaired, made like new, and ENJOY !

[John D.]

Hi Ray!

Please know I'm a shooter - and sometimes collector, so others may have a different perspective, which I'm certain they will share.

If it were my Parker, where the stock is already broken - I'd have it repaired properly. In other words - you can "band-aid" it so it might be safe to shoot, but "band-aids" (read: poor repairs) are just ugly, in my view.

As well, I think a Parker deserves the "best of what we can offer them" - and the old gal sure doesn't want to be an ugly old gal with an improper repair...

So - I'd have it done right. Would the stock ultimately be "refinished"? You bet - but again, it's already damaged (to a non-shooting condition). So, I'd have it done right and enjoy shooting it - and be able to display it with pride.

I say all that given my own personal perspective as to what I'd be inclined to do - but ultimately the decision is yours, of course.

Best to you,

John

[Autumn Daze]

Ray, I agree with Mr. Dunkle whole heartedly...His logic( in this instance at least ) is sound.

[Dean Romig]

Contact David Trevallion in Maine, one of the very best at this kind of repair in the business.

[John D.]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

...I agree with Mr. Dunkle whole heartedly.......

Thanks Dave!!!

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

...His logic (in this instance at least ) is sound.

Yea, my Doctor told me "today is a good day for you John - your meds are working.."...

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

Contact David Trevallion in Maine, one of the very best at this kind of repair in the business.

I second that - but, I had heard that Dave is very backlogged right now (and yes, he *is* one of the best in the business)... If that's the case - we might have to come up with a "Plan B" for Ray, presuming he want's to go that route?

Best to you,

John

[Autumn Daze]

Sorry John..I just could't resist...

Anyway Plan B for Ray is Stock Fixers I have heard very good things about these guys.... stocks@ruralfree.net

Or Plan C The Stock Doctor..Dennis Smith He has done some very good work fo me....thestockdr@riflemag.com

[John D.]

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

Sorry John..I just could't resist......

Well - next time - just resist that urge...

Originally Posted by Dave Suponski

...Anyway Plan B for Ray is Stock Fixers I have heard very good things about these guys.... stocks@ruralfree.net......Or Plan C The Stock Doctor..Dennis Smith He has done some very good work fo me....thestockdr@riflemag.com

I have heard good things about them as well - but I don't have any direct experience. That being said - I do know another guy near me who does stock repairs (and builds custom stocks that are simply wonderful) "by referral" only, and depending on what Ray decides - can put them in touch.

Best to you Dave!!

John

[Autumn Daze]

Sorry John..Its just not in my nature to resist... But I can take it too

[Ray Masciarella]

So I guess no one thinks fixing it will hurt value. My thoughts too. Thank you all for such prompt replies.

I think I'll try to have it fixed without refinish. If it good ok, I'll leave it alone. Otherwise I'll have it refinished. I will contact the referrals.

Thank you all again! Ray