doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Parker or Winchester-21?

About three months ago my Uncle passed away after a good long run of 87 wonderful years. I was fortunate to have hunted with him on many occasions over the last 34 years, and he was a grand old gentleman that took meticulous care of his guns. This season has
not been the same in the fields and Duck blind, and he is dearly missed.

Last week my Aunt called and said I was to come over before Christmas and choose between the two remaining shotguns my Uncle had kept until his death. My aunt indicated his instructions were very specific giving me first choice, and the other gun will go to my Cousin. Knowing how much these two shotguns meant to my Uncle, I was overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of his generous gift.

The first gun is an early Winchester Model-21 "Duck" model with 30" barrels, ejectors, single trigger, and beavertail. Serial number 201xx.

The second gun is a late Parker VHE with 32" barrels, ventilated rib, ejectors, single trigger, and beavertail. Serial number 240xxx.

I am an avid upland and waterfowl hunter, and also shoot sporting clays for fun. I would use this gun in all aspects of hunting and shooting.

The Model 21 shows some handling use on the frame and barrels from years of hunting, where as the Parker is in better condition with good case color and much less wear all the way around. Both of these double barrel guns are all original, and choked f/f.

I realize there is really no bad decision here, and each gun is great in it's own right, But, if it were you, which one would you choose and why?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Sit with eyes closed with either gun across your lap, rubbing and feeling it, while recalling the good times with your uncle. Can you picture him and yourself, afield with which of the guns? That's the one to pick. It seems you're going to enjoy the Mod 21 most because it's the field gun. The Parker, on the other hand will be a pig on the sporting clays field, with it's tight chokes and long barrel, relegated to the gun safe, hardly used, if ever. I believe, your uncle would want you to hunt with whatever gun you choose, fondly remembering the good times you shared.

That Parker sounds interesting with the vent rib and BTFE. You can always have the chokes opened. Ask the guys over on the Parker board. They can tell you, but in the end go with the one that fits you best.

Wow, original Parker vent rib? Damn rare, if original. Don't worry about chokes both guns are likely tight and tighter. Newver heard a 21 given the nod on handling qualities over a Parker before?
bill

I would want the gun that was his favorite. From the wear you describe it sounds like the 21 was it. I would not let market value enter into my decision because neither gun would ever be for sale.

Both guns are as nearly identical to each other as two guns can be. Either gun in original finish is worth over five grand, the one worth the most would be the one most original and with the most original finish. I would take both guns and settle with the cousin in cash. To be truthful, I think 10-Bore is messing with us, but we are not offended. 32" barrels would be a positive in my book.

That's like asking which supermodel would I pick, the blonde or the redhead? Yes.

The redhead every time, and the 21.

A wonderful spot you're in, 10-bore. You can't lose. The one that fits you best is good advice. More wear on the 21 isn't proof it was your uncle's favoured gun. To my way of thinking, the Parker has more prestige, more American, more tradition, no comparatively Johnny-come-lately. There's no accounting for taste but I don't think of the 21 as refined as the Parker.

A 21 Duck has a 13 5/8" l.o.p., which is very short. OK for ducking with lots of clothes, but too short for most everything else. If the Parker has good dimensions, I would go with it, but I love Parkers. Much "finer" than a 21.
JR