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My three Sterlingworths
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:46 pm
by Calgunner
These are field guns in good condition that get hunted a lot. I own no "safe queens", including my antique Winchesters. If it can't be hunted, I have little use for it. At top is the 12 GA, followed by 16 and 20 .
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:26 pm
by fullchoke16
How long are the barrels on your 16 ?
Shells
Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:31 pm
by whisperbow
Do you shoot modern loads in these guns beyond the paper loads you bought?
Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008 12:46 pm
by Calgunner
The 16 has 28" tubes, while the 12 and 20 sport 26". I shoot all modern shells, except magnum loads and steel shot. Those guns were purchased to use and I have never had any problems with current ammunition.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:24 am
by fly by night
Cal,
Have you ever checked to see if the chambers have been lengthened in the 20?
FBN
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 12:05 pm
by Calgunner
No, I have not, but certainly will. I have always shot 2 3/4" shells from this gun with no detectable problems. I really had no idea of short chambers.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 6:16 pm
by mnzman
Cal, That's what those guns are all about. I have completed my set of sterlingworths also. I love the 16 for pheasants and the 20 for grouse. Will also use the 12 for phesants, but the weight of the 16 makes me want to carry it. I shoot lead and tunsten matrix in them and have not had any problem. Have discussed the shell length issue with Sherman Bell (double gun journal author) and the reality is the short shells create more pressure than the reg. ones. I do try to buy the least dram loads.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:01 pm
by Calgunner
All three are Philly guns, but I haven't yet determined the chamber lengths. I ordered a 12, 16, and 20 GA chamber guage from Brownells, and if the chambers are "short" I will have them reamed to today's 2 3/4" length. I have no intention of purchasing those very spendy shorter shells.