First Fox

[Champada]

I’ve been looking at local shops and online for some time now. Just pulled the trigger on a 16 ga sterlingworth. I always remember hearing about my grandfather’s friend owning a 16 gauge fox and going up to NH looking for partridge back in the late 50s early 60s. Have been intrigued by the American classic ever since.

This one seems to be in okay condition, hopefully good enough to use for pheasant for the short 6 weeks per year the season is open. I was wondering what the print on the action “fox sterlingworth” as opposed to the many I’ve seen that read just “sterlingworth”.

Any input, good or bad on the few pictures below would be appreciated!

[44whiskey]

Champada, welcome to AHFCA, looks to be a fine example of sterlingworth, im proud for you,enjoy and hope you post more pics with first blood. regards Fred

[Jack71]

The Savage made Sterlingworths were usually marked "Fox Sterlingworth" while the earlier Philadelphia SWs were simply marked "Sterlingworth." Savage bought the A. H. Fox Gun Company in late 1929 and moved production to Utica, NY. Based on that serial number, your gun was made in 1934.
It looks like a nice gun - enjoy!

[Champada]

Thank you for the kind replies and information!

[Researcher]

Nice gun. I'd be happy to shoot Pheasants with that gun. Are the barrels marked STERLINGWORTH FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL or SPECIAL ALLOY -- FORGED STEEL?

Your gun has the Philadelphia styled top-lever and safety slide but the bulkier Savage-style forearm wood. Also, Savage cut the checkering deeper with pointed up diamonds. Somewhat nicer than the Philadelphia era flat-topped checkering on the Sterlingworth --

[bbman3]

A 16 gauge Fox is a wonderful bird gun and yours appears to have modern stock dimensions. Bobby

[Champada]

I’ve always loved the 16, been using a Stevens 311 in 16 (pictured) passed down from my dad, my whole time upland hunting. Tracking number says my recently purchased fox will arrive at my FFL on Wednesday so I’ll have more info on barrel markings etc. I’m holding my breath slightly because of the price, was a bit lower than similar guns posted on gun broker.

[Fin2Feather]

A 16 gauge Fox is a joy! Congratulations!

[Jim Cloninger]

Your new Sterlingworth looks like a keeper! Jim

[vaturkey]

Since that is a later made gun, you might luck out and have one that has 2 3/4" chambers. Always a plus when RST doesn't have shells available. Yep, that ones a keeper. I bought a 20 gauge Savage made Sterly a few months ago, primarily because it was in good condition and had 2 3/4 chambers. Opens up the door to factory ammo in a big way. Enjoy.

[Champada]

Gun arrived at the shop today. Seems to be in overall decent shape, less a pretty sloppy revarnish attempt. Some ran onto the action.

2 3/4 with nice clear bores.

A few more pics below. Excited to get it out and see how it shoots.

[Jeff S]

Dandy! Start shooting!

[Champada]

Anyone know why this Utica gun would have the older style safety slide? As mentioned by a user above, everything else seems pretty standard with it.

Thanks for all the helpful replies,

[Researcher]

Anyone know why this Utica gun would have the older style safety slide? As mentioned by a user above, everything else seems pretty standard with it.

Thanks for all the helpful replies,

Workers reaching into parts bins and assembling a gun. I have Savage era guns that letter from 1933 and 1938 with the Philadelphia safety slides.