Parker Gun Restoration Questions
I have a Parker VH Double in 12 gauge. It appears to have been reblued but the lettering is still strong. The gun appears to be in pretty nice shape overall. I think it is original length in barrel and stock and has the original buttplate and choke configuraton. I think this gun would be a decent candidate for a professional restoration. I have heard of Turnbull and seen some of his work in gunshops. Does anyone know about how much it would cost for a restoration with new case colors on the receiver (mine has been blued)and if the price of restoration would be returned if I ever decided to sell the gun? Can ejectors be added to this gun? Also are there other real good restoration people that could handle this type of work. About how long does a restoration take to complete? Thanks in advance for your expertise!
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From a collector's standpoint it's always best to leave these pieces alone. The fact that the gun has already been "touched" has pretty much negated that worry, though.
Restoration comes from the heart and wallet. What you do or have done to the gun will be guided by your wants and needs... And the ability to afford such.
From a detached point of observation I'd suggest that your money be better spent on an unrestored gun in top condition.
Obviously your call.
Nord0 -
I am inclined to Nords way of thinking. Unless you found a smith who was willing to do it pretty much for the love of the job (and no smith can make a living that way). It would be a very pricey project. If you want an investment grade Parker, buy one, don't try to build it. The finished gun might be beautiful, but it would not be a top condition gun in ORIGINAL condtion and you would never break even on the investment. 0 -
Hello GUNFUNCO: "Restoring" it would be expensive to do it right. Since the receiver is blued now, it is most likely the whole gun was "hot blued". With that in mind, the top and bottom ribs would have to be removed, hopefully not much of the "hot blueing solution" was trapped. Then the barrels would have to cleaned, polished etc. rib reinstallation etc then rust blued. It could run $700-$1200 for the barrels alone. The frame, (receiver) would have to be cleaned polished, maybe some re-engraving to bring that back, then color case hardened. That could be anywhere from $500-$1000 depending on engraving maybe even more. The stocks, that could run around $500, after finish and recheckering.
Right now you have a great shooter!! Still has quite a bit of value for someone looking for a shooter.
It kind of boils down to how much is in your wallet, and if there is any sentimental value involved.
Regards Dave0 -
Thank you all-especially Dave-that was just the kind of info I was looking for. I guess I'll just use it-no real sentimental value-I just like Parkers and found this one about 8 or so years ago. I have used it for pheasant hunting, but you've got to let them get out a little because it's choked full/full. I might consider just getting the frame case colored if I could get it done inexpensively enough-just because I love those case colors. Thanks again!..Mike 0 -
I dont know how handy you are but you can save a bunch on a simple restoration by taking it apart yourself. send the reciever away and redo the stock with a hand rubbed finnish yourself. forget the barrels, just keep them oiled up and rust free. A parker 12ga. is a nice gun and if your gonna keep it, and its already been messed with, I say go for it as inexpensivley as possible. PS Id wait till huntin season is over it could be a while. 0 -
Well the gun is pretty nice as it is, I just knew that it had been reblued because the receiver was blued and I know that they didn't come that way. I think I'll just check on getting the receiver case colored and leave it at that. Thank you all again. 0
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