Fox gunsmith recommendations

[shinbone]

Hi All,

I bought over the internet a 16ga Philly Sterlingworth with 28" barrels, unmolested chokes, an uncut but refinished stock, and chambers measured to about 2-9/16". I got a few surprises when I went to my FFL to pick it up. The good surprise was that this Sterly is a sweet little wand of a gun weighing in at 5lbs 11oz. It handles and points really really well.

The bad surprise is that the barrels have about 6 dents, along with some deep scratches and superficial handling marks. None of the dents appear to be visible from inside the shiny bores. The action is also loose, too. The rest of the gun is in typical shape for a close-to 100 year-old gun.

I would like to fix the problems with the gun and turn it into my go-to upland gun. In other words, I am not looking for a pristine exhibition-worthy restoration, but rather for the gun to be put back into good working order for another 100 years of shooting in the uplands. Can anyone recommend a gunsmith who has a good reputation working on Foxs, especially barrel and action work, and who isn't too backed-up?

Thanks!

--shinbone

[snakeeater]

shinbone, Try Jim Kennedy at New Holland Pa. 717 354 4311. The place is The Sportsman Shop. Good luck.

[vaturkey]

Another is Dan Rossiter at http://customstocksandsteel.com/ I'd call Dan a Fox specialist although he works on everything. He can take care of all the problems you are describing.