High volume Sterlingworth shooter

[yelrdog]

I'm a new forum user and Sterlingworth owner. I bought a 12 ga Sterlingworth (S/N 92122) in 2011 on GunBroker. I recall seeing that it was made in 1921 and I have a request in to Callahan for a factory letter. It has 30" barrels and is in pretty good condition. There's still a bit of case coloring in some places.

I was interested in reading the forum discussions on appropriate loads. When I first shot the gun I used low recoil AA loads. Since then, I have mostly used the gun for SxS sporting clays shoots (NSCA). I have shot about 850 registered targets (and probably about 1000 overall) using regular 1 1/8 oz, 1200 fps AA loads (AA127). Clearly the action/barrels can handle the loads but I am concerned after reading the forum posts that I'm abusing the wood?

For some reason I can shoot the heck out of this gun. It seems that I just look at the targets and break them (like your supposed to!). About halfway through a round I have to force myself not to start thinking about the safety and the two triggers and just remain on autopilot! I have finished top of my class in several events (beginning with Cs, now I'm an AA). I even won HOA in the Arizona State Championships in SxS this year! It's super fun to shoot a 95 year-old piece. I loaned it to a 13 year-old sub-junior during the state shoot and he won his class and was SJCH.

Any comments on the loads I'm using and possible wood damage are appreciated. I could easily move to 1 oz loads but I would be reluctant to use super light loads given my past success with my regular AA shells.

[Stan Hillis]

Welcome to the forum and the Fox ranks, yelrdog. This is my opinion only, so take it for what it cost you. I shoot registered NSCA sporting, too, and like you am a AA class shooter. I shoot tight chokes in everything, including my go to comp gun, an MX8 which is choked M and M. The reason I mention this is that, if your Sterly's chokes haven't been messed with they are most likely M and F. This is plenty choke to allow you to go to 1 oz. loads. I shot 1 oz. loads for the first several years I competed, then went to 1 1/8 oz. loads for 3-4 years, but for the past 2-3 years shoot nothing but 1 oz. again. I honestly cannot tell any difference in breaking targets. I get harder breaks than most of my buddies do who are using 1 1/8 oz., but more open chokes.

My rec would be to drop back to 1 oz. loads, and, if the head of your buttstock looks oil saturated, have it de-oiled and glass bedded. That's a pretty inexpensive procedure that you can even do yourself if you are handy with tools and a little gun savvy. If not, it won't cost and arm and a leg to get a 'smith to do it for you. My second rec to you would be to join the Fox Collector's Asso. as a full fledged member. You will have access to more information on the website than just as a user/guest. Again, welcome.

All my best, SRH

[TOOL MAN]

Welcome to the Fox asylum "yelrdog!" I'm sure this will twist a few panties in Fox Nation and you know what they say about opinions, but allow me to add my one and a half cents here:

I'd dump 1 1/8 oz. loads faster than you can say Hillary Rodham Clinton. Those AA's run super "hot" and I'd bet they're in the 10-12,000 PSI range not to mention the recoil will rock your world. Consider this. The French champagne of inanimate target shooting is FITASC (Silvers and Klondike are chuckling now!!) where some of the world's most talented shooters test their skills on the longest, most complex targets on the planet. FITASC mandates 28 grams of shot. That's .987 ounces for those scoring at home.

For club clays and practice I'm now shooting 3/4 ounce and I don't notice a squat bit of difference on the target end. The load is so soft, I could shoot it off the bridge of my nose and not draw any blood. Gun fit is far more critical than any load/choke combo and it sure sounds by your account that the Sterly in question fits you like a glove.

In short, I'd be as kind to 95 year old wood as possible. For tournaments, I'd find the lowest pressure one ounce loads available and have at it. Be kind to your Sterly and she'll give you another 95 years of service!! Good shooting.

[49packard]

Welcome to FOXLANDIA,

I had to replace my stock on a 20 Gs. Sterly which was 90 + years old and oil soaked. I had been shooting sporting clays along with my grandson using low powered RST shot shells. I was outrageously lucky to buy a beautiful stock and forearm set for my sterlingworth. The fellow collectors have given you some great information. Best of luck.

49 Packard