Parker-Hale LTD. Birmingham England

[drache]

Yup I started my own thread.

Simply I had posted about this rifle when I first joined but due to a computer crash I lost everything. I was wondering what can be told about this rifle.

My grandfather purchased it from a store in Wells, not exactly sure of the year and then purchased the scope which is a Ruko 6 power.

The rifle is in dire need of being totally redone I think although a part of me just wants to leave it as my grandfather left it to me. The neat thing is that rifle AND scope went to the bottom of a lake due to a canoe tipping over! The scope is still super clear!

The barrel is stamped Parker-Hale LTD. Birmingham England.

The rifle is chambered in .308 Norma Magnum.

Fun Fact: My grandmother's name is Norma

 

[Woodbeef]

It's not a mil-surp,so if you get it prettied up by a proffessional it would'nt make any difference. Might even make it a bit more valuable too.

 

[Baribal]

It's a well used example of an early Safari Deluxe. As WB said, nothing wrong it making it pretty again, as long as it's well done.

The manufacture year can be determined from the Private Viewer's mark (see the other thread).

 

[drache]

It's not a mil-surp,so if you get it prettied up by a proffessional it would'nt make any difference. Might even make it a bit more valuable too.

I never said it was about what the rifle is worth, to my the rifle is priceless. Each mark on that rifle has a story, a history.

Baribal, thanks for that ad, I had never seen that before!

 

[drache]

I should also mention the only markings on the barrel are the Parker-Hale LTD, .308 N Magnum and the BNP markings.

 

[Baribal]

You have to remove the action from the stock to find the viewer's mark.
See the other thread for an example, I posted the stampings from a 1200 Lighweight Super Magnum in 308 NM...

 

[sir_springer]

One option...

Find a reputable smith, and have him scope the barrel to see what kind of condition it's in, and check out the rest of the action. If it's all good, you have the makings of fine rifle.

Because it's a Mauser action, shouldn't be a problem to come up with good quality synthetic stock from the like of McMillan, Bell & Carlson, etc. (A custom wood stock would cost considerably more, and if really nice, you might find yourself reluctant to hunt hard with it. Been there, done this one...)

Have all the metal cleaned up, polish up the bolt, perhaps jewel it, and re-blued. A light bead blasting provides for a durable matte finish, and looks great. (Me, I'd get rid of the iron sights...extra weight, no real use with a scoped rifle.)

Put altogether, with a new scope and mounts, and you've got yourself your own custom rifle, made to fit, on a desirable Mauser action.

.308 Norma Mag ammo is a tad pricey, but it's ready for just about anything you'd ever want to hunt. If the barrel is tough, certainly the cost goes up...but there's lots of option for that action and bolt.

I see you live in BC. Martini Gunmakers (formerly Martini & Hagn) is located here in Cranbrook.

http://www.martiniandhagngunmakers.com/

Have a look at some of his work.

All my work is done at his shop, and his reputation is world renowned. Believe me, he'd sure know what to do with that Mauser action!

Just an idea. One way to pay tribute is to turn it into a one off, all your own that you'll use for many years to come.

 

[babine_lake]

I second the comments on Martini. I used to live in Cranbrook and have been to his shop and seen his work. The man is an artist. As for the Parker Hale, my brother bought one cheap when he was fifteen. It cost a pretty penny to get into brass and dies, but when we loaded some rounds and glass bedded the action it drove tacks. He must have gotten lucky because his Parker Hale is the most accurate 30 caliber hunting rifle I have ever seen. It kicked like a mule though so he had a recoil pad installed, actually by Ralph Martini in Cranbrook.

 

[sir_springer]

I second the comments on Martini. I used to live in Cranbrook and have been to his shop and seen his work. The man is an artist. As for the Parker Hale, my brother bought one cheap when he was fifteen. It cost a pretty penny to get into brass and dies, but when we loaded some rounds and glass bedded the action it drove tacks. He must have gotten lucky because his Parker Hale is the most accurate 30 caliber hunting rifle I have ever seen. It kicked like a mule though so he had a recoil pad installed, actually by Ralph Martini in Cranbrook.

Ralph is a good guy. What he doesn't know about rifles probably isn't worth knowing. And you're right, he's an artist. To handle one of his custom rifles is just about enough to bring tears to your eyes.

 

[mbogo3]

Reloading the .308NM is cheap if you full length resize .300 Win Mag brass and shorten the necks.Use lube only 3/4 of the way up the case and the inside of the neck or you will get oil dents.............no more expensive than any other magnum..........Harold

 

[gunrunner100]

As a family heirloom, I am all for cleaning it, but leaving it the way it is.
The history will vanish if it's redone.
As has been said, have the barrel checked.

 

[woodlotowner]

Yup I started my own thread.

Simply I had posted about this rifle when I first joined but due to a computer crash I lost everything. I was wondering what can be told about this rifle.

My grandfather purchased it from a store in Wells, not exactly sure of the year and then purchased the scope which is a Ruko 6 power.

The rifle is in dire need of being totally redone I think although a part of me just wants to leave it as my grandfather left it to me. The neat thing is that rifle AND scope went to the bottom of a lake due to a canoe tipping over! The scope is still super clear!

The barrel is stamped Parker-Hale LTD. Birmingham England.

The rifle is chambered in .308 Norma Magnum.

Fun Fact: My grandmother's name is Norma

Finally, someone with a PH that has the same stock as mine. Others on my thread here on CGN too have dated mine as a 1962. I'd be curious to know when yours was originally purchased and where, if you have this information. By where I mean what store. There are quite a few versions of this gun and it's always nice to see another one. Mine is chambered in 30-06 and was purchased new by my Dad in the early 60s.

My gun has the same Safari De Luxe stamping and cut-out ahead of the bolt release. Our guns look the same. I'm impressed, since I have been looking for a twin for some time now while enduring some good natured teasing about whether or not my gun existed.

Is yours a two position safety like mine? I take it it must be, since if it was the three position it would not clear your scope.

Yours is the only other schnabel forend stock I have seen! Nice! What's the patched/plugged hole on either side of the stock?

Oh, BTW, your sling is original. It's identical to mine!!

 

[woodlotowner]

Drache,

Unless you have some safety/accuracy issues with this fine Parker Hale I would think twice about changing a single thing. My Dad's old gun came to me with 48 years worth of character and I would never modify or redo a thing. I expect yours is in perfect working order just as mine is. Just my humble opinion.

Woodlotowner