doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Parker Repro or Arrieta 578 : Need your input?

I'm trying to decide between a Parker Repro 20 and an Arrieta 578 20 Ga. Both guns are 98%,english stock,splinter forearm,double triggers,28" barrels and both fit me well.As far as " Quality " goes, which gun do you feel would be the better gun for the long haul as a hunting gun? I've never owned a sidelock gun therfore have no experience.What about the Parker no longer in production vs the Arrieta still being made? With both guns being used, Would one gun hold it's value better than the other? The Arrieta is $900 more than the Parker. Any pro's or con's you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I'm certain to be in a tiny minority on this but since you asked for any comment I, an admirer of the American classics who prefers them to any others, would choose the Arietta because the Arietta is an Arietta is an Arietta and the Parker is not a Parker.

Get the Parker Reproduction. They are very well made and good handling guns. They will surpass the Arietta in value down the road. They are no longer made, but you won't wear it out as a hunting gun in your grandkids lifetime.

From a purely economic view, the Parker Repro will appreciate in value as time goes by, assuming condition stays the same, the Arietta will decline in value the day it's transferred to you and continue to decline for some time. A look at used prices on Arietta's will tell you about how much. Eventually, as new Arietta prices go up significantly, a used Arietta will go up also. Assuming you buy the Parker at fair market today, it'll be worth more in a year, very likely.

Frankly, I like both guns very much and have owned neither. It's a tough call for me. I'd want both eventually.

BTW, I think the "repro" moniker of the Parker Reproduction guns was a marketing failing. The owner of the mfr rights of a classic gun will likely not make that mistake again. It should have been marketed as a continuation of production or second gen...or some such thing to be recognized for what they are; guns built to the same specs using modern equipment, processes, and materials. To me, the 'repro' is better in some ways than the 'originals'.

My poor man's version of 'Steel Shot Special' Parker Repro (aka Classic Doubles 201) was very reliable, no hicupps. Luv Spanish olives, cheese, wine, and women, but never acquired taste for their guns. I would not mind owning quality 'Toledo' sword though.' Pirate Pablo'

The 20 gauge Parkers, with 28" barrels are kinda hard to find. Unless you buy the 2 barrel set. I just bought the same gun, only with 26" barrels. I then had Galazan's fit the 28" 16 gauge barrels to the gun. Man, what a sweet combination that is.

"I think the "repro" moniker of the Parker Reproduction guns was a marketing failing."

It may indeed have been a marketing failure - after all, who ever heard of truth in advertising? Why not lie if is helps you sell more?

I'll guarantee you there were plenty of guys who walked the halls of Meriden who turned their noses at the Ilion production of the Parker gun. So I can't see calling one made in Japan - the same country that had undoubtedly cost a few Meriden lives by 1945 - the real deal.

Even the 'new' $50,000 AAHE is still a reproduction. If you think it's anything other, I would like to sell you some Van Gogh paintings I had made by an outside contractor using modern methods and materials which equal or surpass anything he ever made himself. Don't like paintings? I'll sell you some ancient Indian artifacts - just tell me what you need and I'll make them right up.


There, I'm off my Sunday morning soapbox!

I've never owned a Spanish made sxs but I've owned a 20/16 gauge set Parker Repro for a dozen years or more. Never a problem. Both sets of barrels are 28". It's without a doubt the gun used most of the five doubles in my safe. You won't be disappointed if you choose one. And if you're looking for an off the shelf fit there is very little cast in the stock. I'm a southpaw and this was a big consideration. Good luck with you decision.

1. What was the lie?

2. One has nothing to do with the other.

3. Good idea!

1) There was no lie, Don. That's the point. They was honest.
2) Nothing has anything to do with anything....hell, I'm inviting
Osama Bin Laden over for lunch.
3) I thought so.