Winchester Parker Repro DHE Grade 20 GA SXS Side by Side Shotgun, 1984-1989
SOLD FOR: $4213.88
LSB#: 210317GB09
Make: Olin-Kodensha, in Japan, for Winchester, Contracted by Reagent Chemical & Research
Model: Parker DHE Grade
Serial Number: 20-02426
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1989
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells, the 28″ barrel set is chambered for 3″ shells.
Action Type: Side by Side, Box Lock, Top Break, Single-Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors
Markings: The left barrel of the 28″ set is marked “Parker Reproductions by WINCHESTER – 20 GAUGE, 2 ¾” & 3″ / EAST ALTON, IL. U.S.A.”. The left barrel of the 26″ barrel set is marked “Parker Reproductions by WINCHESTER – 20 GAUGE, 2 ¾” & 3″ / EAST ALTON, IL. U.S.A.”. The right barrel of each set is marked “MADE IN JAPAN” The left barrel flat of each set is marked “20-02426” with an ovalled “WP” proof and each barrel flat is marked “OVERLOAD / PARKER REPRODUCTION / PROVED”. The 28″ barrel flats are marked “FULL” and “MOD”, respectively, the 26″ barrel set has “MOD” and “IMP. CYL”. The bottom of the barrel lugs are marked “I / 0”. The 28″ set has “1” marked between the lugs, the 26″ set has “2”. The left side of the 28″ barrel lug is marked “D GRADE 20 GA. / FOR 3” SHELLS”, the 26″ set’s 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 / 20-02426”, 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 scroll engraved, the belly of the butt stock has a metal oval insert that has not been engraved.
Barrel Length: This shotgun comes with two barrel sets, one 26” and one 28″, both with solid, concave, tapered ribs. The ribs have wavy serrations for glare reduction, each stopping at a scribed line just in front of the beads.
Choke:
26″: The left barrel is Modified, the right Improved Cylinder, both fixed.
28″: The left barrel is Full, the right Modified, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the muzzle of each barrel set.
Weight:
26″ barrel installed: 6 lb. 13.0 oz.
28″ barrel installed: 6 lb. 14.8 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 capped pistol grip and a metal oval insert on the belly which has not been engraved. The stocks have a few scattered light nicks and scuffs, most notable on the right of the belly toward the toe and on the right-front of the forend. 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”, consistent with both barrel sets. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the skeletonized metal butt plate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. The back of the stock is finely checkered, showing no notable wear or damage. The stocks rate in Fine-Excellent 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.
Overall Condition: This shotgun set retains about 98% of its metal finish. The left 26″ barrel has a nick about 5″ from the muzzle (not visible in the bore) and a few minor scuffs from the forend, concealed when assembled. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun set rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a crisp single selective trigger, independent ejectors, an exceptionally tight action lockup with both barrel sets and presents spectacular balance. The shotgun’s action returns to “SAFE” automatically 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. The exterior of the case has some scattered minor storage wear with one more notable scratch on the top-right of the lid and one more notable nick on the bottom edge below the right latch assembly. 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 Fine condition. Also included are the two snap caps and keys for the case as well as a zippered-fabric Emmebi case cover.
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, except for one. Tom Skeuse, founder of Reagent and the driving force behind the Parker Reproductions, would discover later that one of the screws on his own Parker D Grade, the one used as the pattern for production, was a replacement. Kodensha had meticulously reproduced this single replacement screw on each of the Parker guns they made. 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 inside the included leather bound trunk case than outside. The to-specification D grade engraving looks exceptional with the vibrant case coloring retaining marvelous tone variation. Even better, this gun has two factory barrel sets, one 28″ choked Full and Modified, and another 26″ choked Modified and Improved Cylinder. 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. 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!