Winchester Parker Repro DHE Grade 20 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 1984-1989
SODL FOR: $3825
LSB#: 221208BG024
Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research
Model: Parker DHE Grade
Serial Number: 20-04815
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1989
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Single-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel is marked “Parker Reproductions by WINCHESTER – 20 GAUGE. 2 3/4” / EAST ALTON, IL. U.S.A.”. The right barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The left barrel flat is marked “MOD.”, “20-04815” with an ovalled “WP” proof, the right is marked “IMP. CYL.”, and each barrel flat is marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER REPRODUCTION / PROVED”. The bottom of the barrel lug is marked “I 0”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “D GRADE 20 GA. / FOR 2 3/4” SHELLS”. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked “DHE / 20-04815”, 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 upper tang is marked “SAFE”, the lower tang has the serial number. The belly of the butt stock has an inlaid initial plate which has not been engraved.
Barrel Length: 26”, 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: 6 lb. 11.4 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 capped pistol grip, straight comb and a steel skeleton-style buttplate with the rear face of the stock checkered. The stocks have scattered minor nicks and scratches, most in the left of the buttstock, with some more notable nicks and dings along the comb and at the toe. There is a crack at the right-front of the forend. At the bottom-rear, extending forward and up, there is a line of dark grain in the forend which may appear as a crack in the photos, but is just a feature of the grain. There is a spot of odd discoloration in the right of the wrist at the bottom-front, appearing as though the finish is separating from the wood or perhaps a small loss was filled. The checkering is well defined. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has finish wear at the heel and some light scratching at the toe, the butt’s checkering is well defined. The stocks rate in Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Rust-Blued & Case Colored, with Grade D Engraving.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is infrequent stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The barrels have some light wear from the forend which is concealed when assembled, some handling wear over the forend on each side, more on the right, and a few scattered light scratches. Much of the exposed case color has muted or worn to white with strong color around the fences and in other protected areas. The action shows operational wear. There is handling wear on the rear of the trigger guard. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger, independent ejectors, and tight action lockup. The shotgun’s action automatically returns to “SAFE” when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. 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: This shotgun comes in a Parker Reproductions carry case with keys for the case. The case shows wear from storage and transport.
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 parts are interchangeable with the late Parkers made by Remington in Ilion, NY, with the exception of one screw. The original D Grade Parker used as the pattern gun unknowingly had a single replacement screw, which was meticulously reproduced by Kodensha on all of the Parker Reproductions. Tom Skeuse, the founder of Reagent and the driving force behind the Parker Reproductions project, would only find out later that this one screw was not original. On Sept. 17, 1999, a flood destroyed all remaining inventory, including parts and most of the factory records. This 20 gauge DHE Reproduction is in Very Good condition and appears to have spent some time in the field or on the clays range. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with some handling and operational wear in the metal and wood. The shotgun has a single selective trigger and has independent ejectors. The fit and finish of this shotgun is truly something to behold. Whether you’re a Winchester or Parker collector or just want one of the finest 20 gauge doubles made, this is a great addition to any safe in America. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
