Seeking Advice on a Fox Gun For Me & My Dogs

[HighDesertMan]

Thanks guys for the replies and pictures. Things are becoming a little more clear to me regarding this gun. It was awesome seeing the images of your Beautiful shotguns as Pictures can be worth 1000 words. That being said I'm still unclear on the key/keel with the barrels. I'll probably have to have someone standing beside me pointing out the differences. It does seem highly likely the barrels were cut down and that leads me to the question about the chokes. How do you accurately measure the chokes? The guy selling it is a friend of mine and I could likely shoot it a few times. He's asking $950 for it. From what I'm gathering that sounds quite high. The guns had a lot of modifications.

[vaturkey]

I have an older Skeet's Bore gauge (no longer made) that works great. You need something that will reach into the barrels at least 5" so you can determine all the chokes as Fox chokes typically run about 5" long. Not sure what else is out there on the market currently, but someone will chime in. Agree with the others the gun has been restocked. The rear tang appears to be at least 8" long and that is interesting to say the least. Regarding value, it may be worth that to the right someone as a shooter, but I think there are better Sterlingworths out there in 12 gauge for that price. I think if you walk a bunch and shoot very little you should look for a later model Sterlingworth in 16 gauge. It will weight probably a lb less and later guns will most likely have better dimensions and also be chambered for 2 3/4" shells. If you do go with a short chambered guns, by all means try to shoot RST ammo or other 2 1/2" ammo.

[jolly bill]

HDM,

If you have a simple set of calipers, either the dial type, digital or the older Vernier calipers to measure the diameter of the bore at the muzzle you can measure the diameter at the muzzle. You won't be able to measure inside the bore but at least you can determine if there is still some choke left.

The bore diameter should be around 0.729" +/- a couple 0.001's for a 12 gauge S'worth. If the bores measure less than that, at least there is some choke left. If both measure around that diameter, likely cut back from 30" or more.

An old Frank Mittermeier gauge would work just fine or some of the more modern tools. See below. The Mittermeier can give you a very good idea of where the choke starts and relatively how tight the choke is. I think a set shows up on ebay every so often. (Nope, mine aren't for sale.)

Jolly

[vaturkey]

Galazan makes a drop in bore gauge. As mentioned before none of these drop in gauges will give you the true choke, because true choke is the difference between the bore diameter inside the barrel and the ends of the barrel. Another drop in gauge I've seen used before at gun shows and such is:

https://www.amazon.com/Shotgun-Bore-and ... bore+gauge

[HighDesertMan]

Thanks for the information jolly and vaturkey. The choke and bore gauge is on it's way. I'll also keep my eyes open for a Frank Mittermeier gauge. I will definitely get some measurements on the gun and see about shooting it. I'll also pass on the valuable information gained from all you guys to my friend and see if he is willing two work with the price. In the meantime I'll start looking at other Fox shotguns be it a Sterlingworth or a 16-gauge in particular. Lord knows I walk way more then I shoot while following my dogs after chukars, mountain quail and grouse.

[birdawg]

Great starting place, I am sure it will serve you well.

If you would like the bores measured send me a PM. I have a gauge and am not to far from Marsing/Nyssa area.

[callaojoe]

My 16ga 3 weight 28" barrelled SW weighs in right at 6 lbs, you won't regret going that route if you walk a lot....

Feed it RST shells, and you will thoroughly enjoy hunting with it.

I currently own 4 16ga SxS's, the Fox, an Ithaca NID, a Lefever Nitro, and a FW Elsie. The Fox is by far my favorite of the four. I picked up the NItro for my son who is in the navy, ran across one in all but brand new condition. Figured he wouldn't have to worry as much about what ammo he shoots from that one.

Good luck, there are a lot of very informed members on this forum, I wish I had run across it a long time ago....