1 of 350 Winchester Parker DHE Steel Shot Special 12 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, MFD 1987-1989

SOLD FOR: $5,580

LSB#: 200605GB29

Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Regent Chemical & Research

Model: Parker DHE Grade Steel Shot Special

Serial Number: 12SS-00237

Year of Manufacture: 1987-1989

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” & 3″ Shells

Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Single-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The top of the rib is marked “Parker Reproductions by WINCHESTER East Alton, Il. U.S.A. Made in Japan”, the left barrel is marked “12 GAUGE 2 3/4″ & 3″” The left barrel flat is marked “MOD”, “12SS-00237”, with an ovalled “WP” proof, the right is marked “IMP. CYL” and each is marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER REPRODUCTION / PROVED”. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked “H” and “1 1/2”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “D GRADE 12 GA. / FOR 3” SHELLS”. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked “12SS / 00237”, the sides of the frame have a pointer and setter, with to-spec Parker D-grade scroll engraving; the underside of the frame has D-engraving and “PARKER” with birds in flight; the underside, by the trigger selector, is marked “R” and “L”. The upper tang is marked “SAFE”, the lower tang has the serial number. The skeleton butt plate is border engraved, the belly of the butt stock has a metal oval insert that has not been engraved.

Barrel Length: 28”, with solid, concave, tapered rib.

Choke: The left barrel is Modified, the right Improved Cylinder, both fixed.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the muzzle; the top of the rib is milled in a wave-like pattern for glare reduction, stopping at a scribed line just short of the muzzle.

Weight: 7 lb. 5.8 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece fancy walnut set. The beavertail forend has case-colored D-grade engraved metal fixtures and wrap-around checkering, to the original Parker specifications. The butt stock has a straight grip and a metal oval insert on the belly which has not been engraved. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most concentrated around the rear edge of the buttstock. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the skeletonized metal butt plate. The plate has minor surface oxidation at the toe and faint wear at the heel. The back of the stock is finely checkered, showing no notable wear or damage. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Rust-Blued & Case Colored, with Grade D Engraving.

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The chrome-lined bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The barrels have a few light scratches and scuffs toward the muzzle end with light wear along their bottoms in front of the forend. The receiver’s case-color is generally strong with some thinning at the bottom edges and a few small voids on the bottom. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a crisp single selective trigger, independent ejectors, an exceptionally tight action lockup and presents spectacular balance. The shotgun’s action returns to “SAFE” when the action is opened. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a tan leather bound hard trunk case with canvas and leather cover. The case handle has torn through one of its two plies at one end, the exterior has a few scattered light scuffs, nicks, and general light storage wear. The inside is lined with green felt, with component separators and two holes to hold 20 Gauge snap caps. The interior has some light wear from its contents. Overall the case is in about Very Good-Fine condition. The cover has some minor fraying, wear at the leather corner bolsters and some areas of the canvas which shows thinning, in about Very Good condition. Keys for the case are included.

Our Assessment: In 1984, Winchester was contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. to manufacture a new Parker shotgun. The new SxS was a DHE model, available in 20 and 28 ga. initially. These models were fabricated in Japan to original Parker specifications, and the reproduction was so authentic that most parts are interchangeable with the late Parkers made by Remington in Ilion, NY. In 1987, a new configuration was introduced, the Steel Shot Special. This 12 gauge DHE Reproduction was produced with 28″ barrels chambered for 3″ 12 Gauge shells, and chrome-lined bores suitable for use with steel shot. While any Parker Reproduction would be collectible, the Steel Shot Special is exceedingly rare  with approximately 350 made in total. Steel Shot Specials with beavertail forends are even less common. This example is in Fine condition, showing wear consistent with some use in the field and responsible maintenance. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with the vibrant case coloring retaining marvelous tone variation. The shotgun has a single selective trigger, return-to-safe feature upon opening the action and has independent ejectors. The fit and finish of this shotgun is truly something to behold. While this shotgun is sure to interest collectors due to its rarity, it’s also a beautiful gun which can be used with steel shot. It will be the envy of any hunting party. Please see our pictures and good luck!

1 of 350 Winchester Parker DHE Steel Shot Special 12 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, MFD 1987-1989
1 of 350 Winchester Parker DHE Steel Shot Special 12 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, MFD 1987-1989