Fox Collectors

i recently purchased a 16 gauge fox sterlingworth in excelent condition. it is a philly gun from1922. lever way to the right. gun appeared to have not been used much. i have shot about 125 rounds out of it and i noticed a crack in the stock just behind receiver. anybody know if there is an inherent problem concerning this , also what should i do about it. thanks

If it were my gun i would stop shooting it, remove the stock and examine the crack from the inside. Most times a small crack in the head of the stock can be repaired without messing up the original wood finish. A small mill cut is made in the head of the stock and a small metal "staple" is inserted between the crack. The mill cut with the staple in place is glassed up and it will be good as new. A good stock man familiar with SxS vintage guns could do the job. Foxes are not prone to cracks but small cracks developing at the head are not uncommon.

thanks

Bluedog,

Your 1922 vintage 16 gauge Sterlingworth may have 2 9/16 inch chambers.

Shooting 2 3/4" shells in it could cause increased recoil and lead to wood problems.

Best to use light loads of 2 9/16 inch or less thru the gun, such as RST's.

Jolly