fox sterlingworth

[bluedog88]

i recently purchased a 16 gauge fox sterlingworth in excelent condition. it is a philly gun from1922. lever way to the right. gun appeared to have not been used much. i have shot about 125 rounds out of it and i noticed a crack in the stock just behind receiver. anybody know if there is an inherent problem concerning this , also what should i do about it. thanks

[fox-admin]

If it were my gun i would stop shooting it, remove the stock and examine the crack from the inside. Most times a small crack in the head of the stock can be repaired without messing up the original wood finish. A small mill cut is made in the head of the stock and a small metal "staple" is inserted between the crack. The mill cut with the staple in place is glassed up and it will be good as new. A good stock man familiar with SxS vintage guns could do the job. Foxes are not prone to cracks but small cracks developing at the head are not uncommon.

[bluedog88]

thanks

[jolly bill]

Bluedog,

Your 1922 vintage 16 gauge Sterlingworth may have 2 9/16 inch chambers.

Shooting 2 3/4" shells in it could cause increased recoil and lead to wood problems.

Best to use light loads of 2 9/16 inch or less thru the gun, such as RST's.

Jolly