doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Parker DHE Question...

Had the opportunity to look at a few Parker shotguns... a hammerless Field 12 ga. 2 12 ga. Engraved, Damascus barreled guns with hammers and a Hammerless DHE 12 ga. that had replacement barrels (marked Italy)... I am not a "Double Barrel Shotgun Guy"... but I can't get that DHE out of my mind... They are on consignment at an Antique shop... they've dropped the price to $1600 on the DHE... it that too much to spend on a Parker DHE with replaced barrels? I don't know... I would appreciate some feedback here... Thanks in advance... Ben

if i were in the mood for a nice dhe, with non original barrels, 1500 is not unreasonable, what wid inflation an awl...

the value of dat dhe gonna go up sum...however, the value of yo dollas is shrinkin as we speak...

Once upon a time, it was possible for a guy to pay a relatively modest sum to have a set of replacement barrels made in Europe. Unfortunately, those days are long gone.

I am assuming the forend is not missing here. So while this DHE Parker will never be worth as much as an original in equal condition, it is also much cheaper to buy now. And keep in mind that if you could have decent replacement barrels built today, it would cost you several times the entire cost of this Parker. You would also have to contend with shipping the frame overseas, deal with export and import hassles and expenses, worry about loss, and probably wait some time for completion and return. If you bought it now and find you can shoot it well, I think it is nicer than some brand new import doubles that cost more. You can even try to negotiate an even lower price. And if you ever decided to sell it, I don't think you would ever have to take much of a loss, if any.

I have a lot more regrets about guns I talked myself out of buying than any I actually bought. And Ed is right about owning tangible assets versus dollars that lose more value every day that the Democrats are ruining the economy. This decision is a lot like our fraudulent president.... a virtual no-brainer!

It's too much if you think you are buying a collector piece. It's a fine amount to pay for a nice vintage SxS that you intend to shoot regularly. Buy the gun, not the name.

Make sure the barrels fit well (including to the forend) and the gun operates smoothly. Also, see how it balances. Would be nice if the guy gave you a shooting inspection. If all that is a go, I would have no problem paying $1500 or $1600 for a nice double with a lot of life left in it. Although I have gotten really picky lately on account of the deals in the UK.

If you like it and there are no major issues make a cash offer. Sounds like they are now willing to just sell it and move forwards. It will never be a gun sought after by a collector. It could be a fine gun to shoot and enjoy. What is the point of buying a gun you never use and if used would decrease in value? I take high grade guns hunting all the time. I do try to baby them but life happens. Having safe queens is pointless to me as gun are poor investments. I like them, I shoot them and I am only their current caretaker, not their museum curator.

I would never buy that gun without a good inspection and function test by someone who knows Parker shotguns really well. Having said that, it looks pretty dang good from the few pictures you posted: barrel fit, wood to metal fit, very clean looking. It is easily worth the asking price if everything checks out. What are the stock dimensions and what is the s.n. range?
JR

I'm heading back to the shop tomorrow... going to take better pictures... take measurements on all the shotguns. One of the hammer guns is also a DHE... it does have it's original barrels... might just jump off the deep end and make an offer on them all... If there's anything in particular I need to look for, please feel free to let me know.

I'd like to hear more about that Parker DH (Grade 3) hammergun with ejectors.

Borrowed a Parker information book from a friend... the only shotgun with original length barrels is the field gun. I'll post pics of them all... I'm not fluent in Parker Shotguns, so I hope you will please pardon my lack of knowledge, I am learning as I go... here are the first two....
#1... serial number 222936






#2... serial number 55,538 The serial number isn't listed. Barrel length is 26"... but all the others in the Parker Identification & Serialization book around it are 30".