Sterlingworth stock not original

[steelbob]

Looking to make my first purchase of a Sterlingworth serial # 120xxx at local large sporting good retailer. Gun feels very solid but do not think stock is original and either way appears to have been refinished. They have a gun library but because this gun is not original it is out in the used rack. How much does this effect value and how do I determine chamber length?

[fullchoke16]

Production was about 1928 or 29 and probably has 2 5/8" chambers. Unless the rest of the gun is in super condition, I wouldn't worry too much about the stock not being original. The main thing would be how well the stock is fit up to the action. If it's out on the rack, I'm gonna guess that it's not really a collectors piece.

[Twice Barrel]

12 gauge Sterlingworths as described don't have much interest except as shooters and with today's interest in screw in chokes, steel shot capable repeaters they have little interest to the general public. Unless the blue and case colors are original and 85% or greater with strong checkering on the forend and buttstock with the original buttplate the gun as you described is probably a decent buy at $650.00 - $750.00. As far as determining chamber length have one of the staff at the Gun Library measure it for you.

[steelbob]

Thanks for the feed back it is nice to have a place to ask questions and get information in a quick manner. The gun is priced less than what was suggested and I think I will go ahead and make the purchase. Thannks again.

[George Lander]

steelbob: Be sure and ring the barrels, spin the barrels & action with the forearm off to see if the gun is on face & check the bore. In a gun like this you are buying the barrels.

Best Regards, George

[Sunsetomaha]

George: For the uneducated on the forum, can you please explain in more detail how to evaluate the gun, or give us a reference for the maneuvers. The veterans on the forum should remember you are educating a number of novices (and we very much appreciate it!). Ron

[George Lander]

The advice given above by fullchoke16 & twicebarrel is right on target along whith what I had to add. A Fox Sterlingworth is a fine field gun that will easily handle modern field loads as long as the barrels are sound. The gun described is not a Fox collector's gun, but for those of us who like to shoot or hunt with a solid period doublegun, there is none better than a Fox Sterlingworth. If the ribs are tight the barrels should ring like a bell when held suspended by one finger on the underlug.
If the bores are bright and show no deep pitting and the wall thickness is not less than 24 thousandths measured eight inches from the muzzels the gun should be fine to shoot. Sterlingworths very seldom shoot loose but that can be checked by taking the forearm off and holding the barrels & shaking them clockwise & counterclockwise.

All that said for the uninitiated it is always wise to find a local competent gunsmith who is familiar with Fox guns & establish a relationship with him by having him check your gun. He can do the measurements for you, whereas the gun library (I guess we're talking Cabela's) most probably can't as they usually have clerks who are not gun people.

A Fox Sterlingworth, even eighty or ninety years old, like this one is a sturdy and reliable gun and simple to repair if that becomes necessary. The price seems in line
although it never hurts to make a lower offer. Good luck with your Fox.

Best Regards, George

[steelbob]

Once again thanks for the advice. I was wondering how to "ring the barrels". I am going in tomorrow to hopefully make the deal and I will certainly try this technique out. Still a little confused about shaking the barrels clockwise and counter clockwise?

[George Lander]

Hold the gun in one hand by the barrels in a vertical position, butt down, with the forearm off. Rotate the gun from right to left. You should be able to detect any movement.

Best Regards, George

[vaturkey]

Once again thanks for the advice. I was wondering how to "ring the barrels". I am going in tomorrow to hopefully make the deal and I will certainly try this technique out. Still a little confused about shaking the barrels clockwise and counter clockwise?

Bob,

Ringing the barrels will require you to take the barrels off the action and also take off the forearm. So you will only have the barrels in your hand. Then hang the barrels by the hook off your left forefinger and then take your right hand with a coin between your forefingers and tap the barrels (both sides) from their end all the way back up towards the breech. They should if the ribs are tight ring like a set of giant wind chimes up and down the entire length of the barrel. If they thud the ribs are most likely loose and they will most likely have to be resoldered (pretty big bucks).

PS. I'd think if you ask, they will take the gun off the used gun rack and take it (with you) inside the gun Library area and let you ring them in there where it is much much quieter.

Double PS. Its actually harder to describe then actually doing it.

[Sunsetomaha]

I'm learning. Thanks to all. Ron

[2X2]

Sometimes, when ringing barrels, a little rattle will be heard. Lightly rest your thumb on the extractor or wedge a wad of paper under the extractor and see if the rattle goes away.