Advice Please

[rWt]

I have the opportunity this week to see, and if inclined, purchase a Sterlingworth in 20 ga-extractors- for $200. I don't know the length or weight of the barrels. There is substantial bluing wear. The action is reported as "tight". I don't know the serial number nor year of manufacture

BUT, there is a bolt through the stock wrist indicating a repair by an unknown person to an unknown effect. I assume that the stock is trashed.

Is it worth buying-even as a potential parts gun or a project gun?

[ROMAC]

The simple answer is that it depends on if it is even shootable, but most likely it is "worth" buying.

If the barrels ring true and are not all pitted, you could get your money back and then some for them alone.

Just beware that it has not been hacked up by a garage gunsmith with a multi-tool screw driver, a dremel and a hammer.

[vaturkey]

Its all about the barrels. If the barrels are decent (no pitting, tight ribs, not cut), then its worth the $200 investment. If the barrel are trashed then I'd probably walk away.

[rWt]

Thank you.

[Brian Dudley]

$200 for the action and forend parts is even worth it really. But if the barrels are decent, it is a no-brainer.

[rWt]

Pretty beaten up. A 1912 gun, 28" barrels (2 pounds 11.8 ounces). No idea of chamber lengths or chokes.

https://imgur.com/a/FXzJw

[vaturkey]

Yep, rough. It will still be worth $200 if the bores are good and there is choke left. I'd have to have it in my hands to do some measurements and such, but if would personally be worth $200 to me if the bores were good. It could be parted out for over $200 for the parts even if the barrels are bad, but it would take the right buyer. If one wanted to perhaps restore it, you would be looking at thousands IMO when you started adding everything up.

PS. I bought a donor 20 gauge Fox Sterly just like the above with a homemade stock for $450 about two years ago, but with great barrels and original chokes and considered it a bargain.

[bbman3]

Tom I like that custom stock and forend! Bobby

[vaturkey]

Tom I like that custom stock and forend! Bobby

Bobby, looks like a sick Beaver went to work on it. Had been checkered with a nail I believe. Was an original. No other like it in the world no doubt.

[rWt]

I didn't buy it.

[vaturkey]

I didn't buy it.

I think you choose wisely.

[Fin2Feather]

Amazing restraint; hard to walk away from a $200 Fox !