1901 Parker VH Review & Discussion

[Bruce P Bruner]

I have this 1901 Parker VH, 30" Vulcan Steel, 12 Gauge double trigger shotgun coming to my local Cabela's for inspection. I reviewed the shotgun over the telephone on Thursday morning. I declined the purchase due to uncertainties. I tried to just let it go and today I was motivated to call again and rereview. Well, it was on hold and I knew it wasn't meant to be. They called me back and said the gun was still available. Serial number 104249 isn't in the book but the PGCA say's a letter is available. So, here we are, it's a #2 frame extractor gun. I have these concerns about the gun; the barrels are not touching at the muzzle (close) even though the rib matting ends 1/8" from the end and it also has the line in front of the matting. I thought if the barrels weren't touching it absolutely meant the gun had been cut (kiss of death). They say the bores are shiny with a touch of something just ahead of the left chamber that my clean out (?) and chokes are Mod & Full.
A Monte Carlo buttstock that looks factory to me (aside from the MC), with the addition of a Hawkins pad. I don't believe the Hawkins existed in 1901, though I don't know for sure. I'm not convinced that Monte Carlo stocks were "a thing" in 1901, though they may have been in England.
The front sight is also questionable though I seem to recall seeing them before. PGCA has no record of a return.
I would like everyone's thoughts on this gun before I head out to take a look on Wednesday. The price isn't exorbitant at $1199.99 but I felt compelled to get everyone's consensus before hand. Thank you, Bruce
Photos:

[John Knobelsdorf II]

The listing says “a 2 3/4” chamber” ....a non-standard feature for Parker Bros. in the era this one was manufactured.

At the same time, it’s my understanding they were happy to provide whatever chamber was requested. Two and three-quarter inch shells were being offered by the shell makers by the 1890s.

I would go ahead and invest in the letter now. That has a prospect for shedding light on the chamber length as well as the originality of the Monte Carlo stock.

I am feeling confident that the front sight is most certainly non-standard. Likely sourced by a prior owner in the late 20th to early 21st-century.

[Bruce P Bruner]

I'm not sure they would be willing to "hold" the gun until I received the letter, though from past experience they are accommodating. I'm still perplexed because the barrels aren't touching at the muzzle. I'm suspicious of their measuring technique for the stated chamber length.

[Phil C]

Because you are a member Chuck may give you the basis information with an understanding you will order a letter.

[Researcher]

I'd take a chance on it. At least to own it long enough to remove that hideous Simmons "Glow Worm"/Ithaca "RAYBAR" front sight with a proper bead.

[Bill Murphy]

I think we can see the seam where the Monte Carlo was pieced in. There is more to acceptable barrels than just length. You should check wall thickness and bore diameter as well as choke. The stock is kind of nice. I would guess drop at heel is about 3 1/2", drop at Monte Carlo about 2 3/4" just from looking at the pictures.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

I think we can see the seam where the Monte Carlo was pieced in. There is more to acceptable barrels than just length. You should check wall thickness and bore diameter as well as choke. The stock is kind of nice. I would guess drop at heel is about 3 1/2", drop at Monte Carlo about 2 3/4" just from looking at the pictures.

Bill, I just enhanced the buttstock photo to show the wood grain. If you can see a seam I'd be very surprised. I can't see a seam. What do you see? I can live with the drop, I'm 6'3". My recent 1880's Syracuse LC has a drop of 3-1/2"...perfect fit.

Take a look:

[winplumber]

The only thing I dont like is the sight ! I looked at this for awhile when it was listed .Never say never about a Parker Id send Chuck a PM about that letter.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Yes, wall thickness & bore diameter are critical. Without anything but a simple digital caliper and a choke gauge it's impossible to know for sure. In this photo is my 3-1/8" drop Clabrough. I also shoot an early BT-99 that has much less drop with great results, sort of depends on how low you want to drop your head.
The front sight on the VH is a disaster.

[Bill Murphy]

Bruce, when I enlarged the right side of the stock, the seam I thought I saw disappeared. It seems like you may have a rare early original Monte Carlo.