Winchester Parker Repro DHE Grade 20 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 1984-1989

SOLD FOR: $5133

LSB#: 221208BG011

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

Model: Parker DHE Grade

Serial Number: 20-02125

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.”, “20-02125” 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 / 20-02125”, 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. 10.6 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece fancy walnut set. The splinter 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 a few light handling marks, a light scratch on the left of the comb toward the front, and a couple of nicks in the belly toward the toe. The checkering is well defined. 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 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage, the butt’s checkering is well defined. The stocks rate in Fine-plus overall condition.

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

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Excellent 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: Included is a tan leather bound hard trunk case with canvas and leather cover. The exterior of the case has been well protected by the cover, showing little in the way of wear on the exterior. 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.

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 Excellent condition and appears to have spent more time in the included trunk case than out. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with some minor handling wear in the wood and almost none in the metal. 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