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

The Parker is a beautiful gun, but I have to agree with some, IT IS NOT A PARKER, the parts may be interchangeable, but it is still a re-production. And also of the new one by Remington. Beautiful guns but not the real real Parkers.

If the Parker repro LOP fits, get it.

I own an Arietta 570 and Parkers, both Repros and originals...I would choose the Parker Repro--although in 20-gauge it will a probably get a little heavy as a carry gun. For that reason, I'd recommend seeking out a 28-gauge Parker Repro instead--you'll pay more, but it will pay dividends down the road.

From what I've read and understand, Tom Skeuse, the originator of Parker Reproductions had intended that the Parker Reproductions be simply called Parkers, but Remington Arms owned the name and licensing and they (Remington) wouldn't allow Skeuse to call them Parkers--thus we have Parker Reproductions.

To my way of thinking, a Parker Reproduction is as much a Parker as a Galazan built Parker is a Parker--or a Remington Arms Ilion-built Remington Parker is a Parker. Along these same lines a Parker Repro is as much a Parker as a CSMC Fox is an A. H. Fox or a Ithaca Classic Doubles is an Ithaca.

I have a Parker Repro 28 that I shoot most of the time for dove and quail and love it but for late season doves and pheasants in the panhandle I prefer a 20 ga.I really like the way the Parker Repro 20 with the 28" barrels swings with the heavier weight.I'm also considering getting the 16 Ga barrels from Galzan for the Parker Repro if I go that route.Thanks for your comments.

bamboosler, you stated it very well. I'm on board with that.

I really like my 28ga. Parker Repro.

Classicioi, I agree about the 20ga. for pheasants. It's my favorite gauge for pheasants.

I have an Arrieta 570, same gun as the 578 with the only difference being engraving. The Arrieta is an excellent gun. I have no experience with the Parker Repros.

Greg,
Having the Parker Repros made in Japan was another marketing party foul that was underestimated IMO. However, given that the ability of an American company to make the gun in the quality necessary and for an econimically viable cost, was lacking, it probably was the only avenue open to them at the time.

I am a fan of Spanish doubles made by the top makers, I have visited Arrieta and was very impressed by their upper grade guns. Also I have an AYA #2 that I bought in 1965 and it still is going strong. Have several Arrizabalagas and have never felt that anyone had a better gun.. Don Hardin

I've owned both. I sent the Parker Repo (12ga Quail special) back for ejector repairs twice. I used it for skeet shooting and put about 6000 rounds thrue it before I sold it. It was a nice gun and I was impressed with the fit and finish of the metal. Never had a problem with the single trigger. I only sold it because of it's limited use in that configuration. My Arietta also had some mechanical problems. It is a 28ga and those problems cost them the sale of a higher grade gun in 12 ga. I use it for skeet and hunting. I broke a mainspring, had another made. Broke the left hammer,had another made.Broke the ejector trip shot it like that then the hammer that I had made stopped functioning. Sent it back to Arietta and 1 1/2 years later I got it back. I've been shooting it now with no problems for 5 months. I guess you will have to decide for yourself wich you like better. Maybe it will boil down to how it feels and fits. If you are only hunting with it you may not have the problems that I have had with the volume of shooting that I do. I like both guns and bought another Parker repo recently. I wouldn't let the fact that they were made in Japan or any other foreign country deter me from buying one. How long are we suppose to hold a grudge against those people? They can make it at a price that you and I can afford. I certainly can't afford the Remington made Parker at 50GS. The fact that the Parker repo is a reproduction only means somthing to a collector,it means nothing to me. I use my guns as much as I can. I may be embarrased to admit this but there have been some nice quality guns that come out of Japan. That is the sad truth.

IMO if you are going to shoot the gun, get the Arrieta and check out the same with 30" barrels. You may like it even better.


I have a round body 578 16 ga and love it. BTW I think it weighs less than the only JAPANESE 20 ga Parker I have ever seen. It was the one my freind had to returned to the dealer becuase it did not even come close to shooting where it was aimed.

My Arreita shoots dead on, the patterns are picture perfect. I couldn't have chosen a better gun for the money... and yes I know it lost value the minute I bought it, like most new guns.... It doesn't matter to me, IT IS NOT FOR SALE!

Good Luck

Jerry