Old workhorse goes back to the field

Snipe Hunter · Post by **Snipe Hunter** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:07 pm

In February I picked up a 20 gauge Sterlingworth that I planned to use for my primary gun this season. It sat patiently in the safe until the season opener on November 1. Since then I have been alternating it with a couple of other guns but I have really enjoyed the days that I have taken this gun out. It is a short chamber gun but the little 3/4 ounce loads I have been shooting have been more than adequate for the fragile little shorebirds. Many of you have extremely nice graded guns, and while I will never have anything like one of those I wanted to let everyone know that an entry level Philly guns is back in service.

Skip

Researcher · Post by **Researcher** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 9:34 pm

Aint nuthen wrong with a Sterlingworth! Good going!

How about a short article on your shore bird hunting with the Sterlingworth for the Newsletter?

Dave

fullchoke16 · Post by **fullchoke16** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:27 am

Nice photo. Having burned a few rounds at shorebirds myself, you have my respect. No matter the grade, you"re still shooting "the Finest Gun in the World".

R.R. · Post by **R.R.** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:08 am

Graded or ungraded, I'd much rather look at hunting photos over static photos. That's why they were built.
Thanks for sharing Skip.
How long does that season run? I may need a guide when my nephew determines his wedding date.

birdawg · Post by **birdawg** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:46 am

That is a lovely scene. Those seem like extremely elegant barrels. Would they perchance be the long lusted after 32"?

I love the old workhorses, even when I am looking for a graded gun I seem to prefer the ones that show use. They have more history than the like new versions which are great to display. I feel that the guns with some visible use and maybe a few flaws fit my course nature and budget.

waterman · Post by **waterman** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:43 am

Nice gun Snipe Hunter how long are the barrels on the SW. Happy Fox hunting.

Snipe Hunter · Post by **Snipe Hunter** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 7:59 pm

The barrels on that gun are only 28". A previous owner added a pad. The length is just a hair under 14 1/2" so I usually add a slip-on pad to give it another 3/4".

My season runs until February 15. I have been hunting an area the last couple of weeks that is far more open than where I usually hunt. The conditions are more civil but on average the flushes are much further out. This is walk-up shooting only and any attempt to use a dog for anything other than retrieving would be an exercise in frustration for both the hunter and the dog. Here are a couple more pictures from yesterday that show just how open it is.

My apologies to those that don't like to see body count pictures. It is also from yesterday and shows the gun a little better. The wood has probably been refinished and the only remaining colors are on the water table and under the top lever. On my scale it is an even six pounds. Anywhere between there and 6 1/4 lbs is where I prefer a gun to be.

Another picture from last Saturday showing how open it is. You can see some broom sedge in the background and any birds in it are far more approachable. Unfortunately they know that and I end up chasing the majority of them from one open spot to another. When one messes up and sits too long I have to do my part and not miss. Otherwise it will mean way too much walking and way too little weight in the game bag.

Here is the old grizzled marsh rat, also from last Saturday. I am just getting the hang of taking pictures using the timer.

R.R. · Post by **R.R.** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:44 pm

Once again, thanks for taking us all on a walk through your fields.