Winchester Parker Repro DHE Grade 20 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 1984-1989
SOLD FOR: $4025.01
LSB#: 230125JL003
Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research
Model: Parker DHE Grade
Serial Number: 20-05256
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1989
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Dual Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The left of each barrel set is marked “Parker Reproductions by “WINCHESTER – 20 GAUGE. 2 ¾” / EAST ALTON, IL. U.S.A.”. The right barrel of each set is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”. The left barrel flat is marked “MOD.”, “20-05256” 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 ¾” SHELLS”. The top of the forend bracket is marked with the serial number. The water table is marked “DHE / 20-05256”, 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 a metal oval insert that 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. 8.7 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 and a metal oval insert on the belly which has not been engraved. The buttstock is missing its buttplate. There are a few light scuffs that have lightly thinned the finish, most noticeable on the cheeks. The checkering is mostly 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 1/4” and 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt. The stocks rate in Fine 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 this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is a bit of thinning on the bottom of the frame. There are light handling marks. The buttplate is missing. The top tang has light wear from standard use. There is faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features crisp dual triggers, independent ejectors, an exceptionally tight action lockup and presents spectacular balance. 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: None.
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 Fine condition and appears to have spent more time inside a safe than outside. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with the vibrant case coloring retaining marvelous tone variation. The shotgun has dual triggers 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
