new shooter, two questions

A. Nunn · Post by **A. Nunn** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 5:17 pm

Three weeks ago I finally got around to taking my Grandfather's 1928 Sterlingworth out for some trap shooting and loved it (although I did horribly). I grew up shooting rifles, but this was my first time shooting a shotgun, other than an old single shot 410 that my Dad has as a varmint gun. I plan to become a semi-regular shooter and have two questions:

1. Is there anywhere on the website that gives general procedures for cleaning the gun after shooting, and how to perform a more thorough cleaning periodically?

2. I have read some of the topic concerning barrel weight. What does this mean and does this limit the types of shells I can use should I choose to go duck hunting at some point.

Thanks,

Andrew

fullchoke16 · Post by **fullchoke16** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 10:15 pm

1. See first web page for disassembly info. , it's very well done.
2. Barrel numbers indicate weight previous to the barrels being struck. No. 1 being the heaviest to No.4 being the light ones. As far as duck loads go, don't shoot steel. Our choices are limited to Bismuth if you can find it. The company that makes Hevi Shot is coming out with a reduced pressure load for classic guns. There is an article about it in the current issue of Wildfowl magazine. Price and availability were not mentioned in the story though. That said, don't use the regular Hevi Shot loads due to high pressure.

A. Nunn · Post by **A. Nunn** » Sun Jun 01, 2008 10:23 pm

Thanks for the tips. I saw the instructions on the first page and was wondering if there might be a cleaning/lubing regiment for after use shooting.

Also, what about the shells generally available at sporting clay places? Can I shoot 2 3/4" lead shot with one ounce loads?

fullchoke16 · Post by **fullchoke16** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:15 am

The nice thing about a Fox gun is that it requires no special care in cleaning and nothing elaborate. I use Hoppes #9 for bores and surfaces. Put some on a Qtip for the recessed surfaces. After thousands of targets, a dousing in the rain or hunting a lot of dusty brush, I'll take the trigger plate out and give the inards a good cleaning followed by light oil blown out with compressed air. I didn't note the gauge of this gun, but will assume that it is a 12 ga. One ounce target loads should work just fine.

A. Nunn · Post by **A. Nunn** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 5:58 pm

Back to barrel weight - does this have anything to do with the types of shells that can be used, the overall sturdiness of the gun, or is it simply a matter of some folks wanting a heavier feel.

Twice Barrel · Post by **Twice Barrel** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 6:42 pm

Barrel weight only tells what the raw weight the barrels were when the craftsman started the joining and striking (finishing) process. It has nothing to do with how sturdy the gun is or how stout a load the barrels will accommodate.

A. Nunn · Post by **A. Nunn** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 4:20 pm

Thanks. I know I mentioned 1 oz. loads above, but what is the maximum load recommended for a vintage Sterlingworth?

Twice Barrel · Post by **Twice Barrel** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:44 pm

12 Gauge - 7/8th to 1 1/8th ounce for volume shooting (clay games and light upland birds) 1 1/4 ounce for occasional waterfowl and large upland birds.

16 Gauge - 3/4 to 1 ounce for volume shooting (clay games and light upland birds) 1 1/8 ounce for occasional waterfowl and large upland birds.

20 Gauge - 3/4 to 7/8th ounce for volume shooting (clay games and light upland birds) 1 ounce for occasional waterfowl and large upland birds.