Buttstocks and Forearms on Pin Guns

[vaturkey]

I believe two different forearm latches were made on the earlier Sterlingworth Co. marked Pin guns. When was the transition made from the earliest style to the later style? Also, does that different latches necessitate having different style forearm machining, or was the inletting within the respective forearms the same. Lastly, would a buttstock from one pin gun marked The Sterlingworth Co. fit another gun within the same serial range (say 52xxx to 58xxx range). Thanks mucho of course. PS. Education is a good thing.

[Researcher]

Pin guns are found with all three types of snap-on/off forearm latches --

The earliest, the Baker-style J-Spring --



The company must have had a lot of trouble with these, as I have recorded many guns within the range for the Baker-style latch with the later Fox and Kremer or the F.T. Russell latch.

Here is the Fox & Kremer in the middle and the F.T. Russell below on an ejector gun --



The possibility of a stock swap working in a fully satisfactory manner is very low. Many stockers I've spoken to over the years don't want to even take it on as the time involved in the tinkering to get it right can quickly become that of inletting a new stock.

[THEFOX]

I agree with researcher. As far as the stocks go, I have yet to find one that would fit with satisfactory results, even on identical guns. I bought half a dozen, and they are still laying on a shelf. My stock buddy said that he could make a new one just as quick as he could alter one. I don't know about the forearms, but it seems they might be more inclined to work than the stock. I always have both the forearm and stock done at the same time. The wood and grain can be matched up better. I mainly refurbish shooters and do a custom one when I can. That's just my two cents worth.
Bryan Clary