New to the forum and have a question
New to the forum and have a question
I am new to the forum and really have enjoyed reading all the interesting posts. I am about to buy my first Fox gun. It is a 16 gauge, 28", XF/IM, 6.25 lbs, #3516XX. I have two questions. Does anyone know how to find out what year it was made? And does a "professionally pinned" stock head hurt the value? I will be in the gun slightly under a $1000 so this may be a gun to refurbish. It will be a shooter, mostly dovebirds. What are your thoughts?
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Fin2Feather
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Well, since I did such a good job on M.L.'s I'll take a shot 
! With that serial it should be a Sterlingworth, c. 1915 (I think!). A pinned stock hurts the value, but may not hurt the shootability; others here are more realistic as to value than me. Restocks are expensive; if you can live with it and shoot it as is it might be an OK price. It sound a little high for a project gun IMHO.
! With that serial it should be a Sterlingworth, c. 1915 (I think!). A pinned stock hurts the value, but may not hurt the shootability; others here are more realistic as to value than me. Restocks are expensive; if you can live with it and shoot it as is it might be an OK price. It sound a little high for a project gun IMHO.Utica Fox Appreciation Society - Charter Member
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jolly bill
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DoveBird,
Fin2Feather has it about right for the date.
He is also correct about the repaired stock reducing it's value.
If the repair is sound, should be OK to shoot but the repaired stock may have been the result of shooting a lot of currently available 2 3/4" 16 gauge shells. Unless it has been modified by a previous owner, it has 2 9/16" chambers.
The longer shells result in a much sharper recoil in those short chambers.
If it has short chambers, look into getting some 2 1/2" shells for your dove shooting.
There has been lots of discussion on short chambers in the early 16 and 20 gauge doubles. A search might produce some more feedback.
A new stock could be pricy.
Enjoy your new toy and welcome.
Bill Jolliff
Fin2Feather has it about right for the date.
He is also correct about the repaired stock reducing it's value.
If the repair is sound, should be OK to shoot but the repaired stock may have been the result of shooting a lot of currently available 2 3/4" 16 gauge shells. Unless it has been modified by a previous owner, it has 2 9/16" chambers.
The longer shells result in a much sharper recoil in those short chambers.
If it has short chambers, look into getting some 2 1/2" shells for your dove shooting.
There has been lots of discussion on short chambers in the early 16 and 20 gauge doubles. A search might produce some more feedback.
A new stock could be pricy.
Enjoy your new toy and welcome.
Bill Jolliff