chokes: three more questions

[A. Nunn]

1. What are the standard choke measurements for a late 20s 12 gauge Sterlingworth?

2. Are there marking on the barrel that indicate what size I have?

3. What implications does the size of my chokes have for both trap shooting and bird shooting?

Thanks,

Andrew

[TOOL MAN]

Greetings A.Nunn and welcome to "the asylum". I'll take a swing at your line of questions:

First......regarding "standard" Sterly choking, this from pg 14 of my 1927 pocket catalog. There were four basic models of Sterlingworth produced;
The "brush model" with 26" tubes, choked cyl/mod.......the "field model"
with 28' tubes, choked M/F, the "Standard" (most common) with 30' tubes,
choked F/F and the "trap model", with those sweet 32" tunnels, also choked F/F.

Second.......if you are referring to specific choke designation or constriction markings, the answer is "no". You can get a rough idea on choke with a drop-in gauge or have someone meaure the constriction with a more precise, choke/bore gauge.

Third.....we could write volumes on this one. I'm assuming you are asking if your gun will be adequate for both trap shooting and bird hunting? The simple answer here is "YES", however as you become more proficient at any one of these pursuits, you will no doubt seek the same performance from your gun. (And even if you don't, that's a great line to feed your wife or "main squeeze" in order to buy more!!!!! ) My guess is that your Fox, like most, is choked fairly tight, probably M/F. With an ounce of shot you will smoke any trap target alive, from the 16 yd line. If you are shooting over a pointing dog, for say pheasant, quail etc., you will be a bit tight, especially with your first shot. You can always play around with shot size or spreader loads and if you handload, the sky is the limit.

Good shooting-------TOOLMAN

[A. Nunn]

Thanks TOOL MAN (by the way, where is tool town?).

My gun has 30" tubes with different size chokes, so I guess it is M/F. The gun was my Grandfather's (I am not in fact "a nun," but my Grandfathers last name was Nunn and it is also my middle name - thought it might be a fitting tribute) and I am have decided to take my hand at trap shooting, and hopefully, eventually, bag some ducks. Are there standard measurements for the various chokes that I could check with a caliper?

[Fin2Feather]

The literature will tell you that the Sterlingworth Field was choked M/F. I have a 20, a 16 and a 12, but none of them measure out M/F. I have a factory letter on the 16 and it also lists the chokes as M/F, but it measures IM/F. Have them measured if you really want to know. Oh, and welcome!