Please note that registering for the Fox Collectors Forum does not
mean you are a member of the AH Fox Collectors Association. Paying members of
the AH Fox Collectors Association have access to a private forum where Fox guns
are bought and sold, Newsletters are archived, and many more interesting topics
about Fox guns are discussed by knowledgeable collectors. In addition AHFCA has
copies of all the available factory production cards for graded guns.
Members may obtain a copy of a card on an individual gun. Each member receives
one free card look up per year and then a $25.00 fee applies. To obtain
membership information please click on the Fox Image below.
To view a sample of
a factory card click on the card below
Fox Collectors
The Fox Collectors forum was founded in 2006 to stimulate interest in the history and production of Fox shotguns. We believe you will enjoy our forum and learn more about the rich history of Fox shotguns.
NO ITEMS MAY BE POSTED FOR SALE ON THIS FORUM or direct references to items for sale. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: A personal item that’s obviously for sale or would appear to be for sale; or if a link is posted to some other site where the item is for sale. Please note that references to items posted elsewhere are ok for discussion as long as a direct link is not included. Any "Wanted to Buy" posts are not allowed and will be removed. The moderators will delete any posts that are deemed offensive, abusive or slanderous in nature. Commercial operations or businesses may not advertise nor appear to advertise their products or services, either directly, or indirectly by a second party, except for simple reference as a source for such products or services
Last weekend I bought a Sterlingworth for $250. It has some corrosion but is a great shooter. First time shooting with it today and it is now my favorite shotgun. My model 1100 feels like I'm swinging a club compared to this shotgun, For some reason I can't seem to miss with this thing. Ok I missed a couple clays.
My gunsmith, who knows these guns, looked it over and said I did good, but was concerned about the stock. Sure enough the stock chipped today. And there is a longer crack that he was even more concerned about. I will discuss stock options with him this week, but will gladly take any suggestions here for a replacement.
Using low pressure loads will help save the wood. If you do have to replace it there are a few partially I letter stocks on eBay that would make a good starting point.
Welcome aboard. If one uses the IMG code, the pictures will show up here larger --
What you have here is a rather scarce Fox-Sterlingworth variation built using a flat-sided SP-Grade frame, but it is in pretty rough condition with all that rust pitting. Hopefully you have the chip that came off and a good stock doctor can repair the original stock. The cost of a proper restock is far above the value of the remaining metal in that condition.
Thanks for the info! I had no idea this sterlingworth was different than any other. Actually I knew nothing about these shotguns before I bought this one and did some research. The serial number is 132781. The tables I found show that it was probably made in 1932.
There is a longer crack in the stock that the gunsmith was concerned about growing. He also told me if that crack started to grow, he could re stock it using a piece of walnut he had in the shop, but it would cost more than the gun was worth, and my money would be better spent selling this one and getting a better one. For my minimal $250 investment I'm not too concerned, and if i can put some sort of stock on it for a couple hundred I will probably be inclined to keep it. Especially because it shoots so well, and i wouldnt feel guilty hunting with it in the salt water marshes by me. I'm wondering if hunting in the marshes is how it got so pitted, but the inside of the barrels look beautiful.
I see Macongunstocks and ebay has 95% finished stocks for around $100. Perhaps this would be a good place to start. Anyone here try one of these stocks? I'll talk to my smith next week to see what he thinks.
Here is a photo of the long crack in the stock. It goes from the base of the stock just above the triggers up to just behind the safety.
I shoot gun club light target loads through this shotgun.
