I've been looking at some old Parker and LC Smith doubles, in both 16 and 20 gauge If condition and grade are similar, which gun would you prefer? How do they compare in value/ Which is the better gun? Your opinions appreciated!

Parker A1 Special for me.

However to answer your question a little better here is my opinion based on owning and shooting a few of each. The Parker is a heavier gun then the LC Smith. So depending on your build and strength one might be better then the other for your swing and control. If you like the look of sideplates then the LC Smith would be for you. They do tend to crack stocks but with proper care and maintenance it wouldn't really worry me. For the most part grades are just better wood and engraving. If you like box lock's then the Parker would be for you.

Hell, I'd be satisfied with a lowly DHE 28gauge and you have to have an A1 Special.

Had a chance to own Rudy Etchens 28ga Parker. Beautiful and balanced. Only problem was the $30,000 sticker.

Parker wins the race everyday of the week on looks in that they are both relatively dependable. Sideplates are a problem waiting to happen.

Is there anything that you can do to keep,the sideplates from cracking the stock?

I would think the wood edges could be glass bedded by a good stock man and you wouldn't be able to tell.

The weakness of older sidelocks occurs when the wood shrinks or swells, along with too much oil seeping into the cut and softening the wood.

I am still kicking myself for not buying the Repro A1 Specials in the White that CSMC was selling.

Save the troubles with both and buy a Fox!!

I have never had a problem with any of the Parkers I have owned. If I were looking to buy a classic American double it would be another Model 21.

I was just joking though the Parker and LC Smith designs are a good bit more complicated and generally spoke about as less reliable then a Fox... or a Win 21.

A man who uses a Smith gun is typically someone to whom women are attracted, dogs listen to, and always need to find people to take their excess of game birds. Parker men are simply unfortunate souls who never were able to step up to the best. Fox shooters plainly wish they were allowed to carry the guns of their Parker and Smith shooting friends as they make their way around the course. (And they all pray to their Maker each night their thanks that they aren't saddled with Winchesters, Lefevers, Merkels, Purdeys, Hollands, et al.)

Truth: they're all good and represent quality and workmanship rarely found in this world anymore. (Except the Smith might be a shade better.) Close your eyes and pick one. Literally. Heft similar models side-by-side and see which one speaks to you. Gun fit, condition, and balance that suits you is more important than which brand you seek out. Swing on a few targets with each choice (if allowed) and take it from there. Just bear in mind that Smith guns gain you a few extra brownie points when seeking admission at the Pearly Gates.

Parker shooters always have a ready market for when they want to trade up. Smith shooters take a loss and then go looking for a Parker.




Which then makes it easier for the Parker people to sell theirs.

Thanks for the input guys. Sounds like about equally divided. As far as side locks not being dependable and cracking stocks, I have an old Baker Batavia that has great wood, no cracks, that looks like it has been shot quite a bit. I did have to have one side lock adjusted though, as it was barely touching the primer (firing pin). After which I took it on a dove shoot, and was instantly impressed on how the gun handled and shot. I had bought it to re sell, and now I might have to keep it!
Have looked at a nice little LC Smith 20 that feels like a feather in my hands and seems to fit very well. Condition about 75%, they're asking $1300. Field grade gun. Does that sound about right? They're all over the price spectrum on Gun Broker.

If I had the jingle in my pocket and I wanted that 20, I would probably say the heck with and buy it. Price not bad, not great, but not bad.

To alleviate the potential for cracking the head of a Smith stock, just relieve a RCH of wood from behind the locks. Do it low in the inlet, leaving a whisper of wood touching the side plate on the exterior so as to preserve the appearance of a tight fit. Ditto at the back end of the top tang. Guys who use their Smith guns for lots of shooting often go to the trouble of epoxy bedding the heads of the stock. Whether to do that or not is usually driven by concerns over authenticity/collector value. I say do it, unless it's a 100% minty original piece or a very rare graded model.

I love the Parker, but prefer the Elise over any of the older doubles. I have both a 12 and 16 ga LC Smith . Two foxes taken with the 12 and two coyotes with the 16 ga

For simplistic durability, Fox, otherwise Parker.