Sterlingworth loose with forend off

[h1tdk00]

Hi, I have a 16 ga. Sterlingworth that I've been hunting with for the last 15 years. I just noticed that it has some play in the barrels with the forend off, but it is still tight with the forend on.

I was wondering if it is OK to keep shooting it or does it need repaired?

Thanks,
Tim

[vaturkey]

My 2 cents is if its loose with the forend off is off face and needs to be fixed. IMO on any sxs one is contemplated purchasing, the forend should be removed and the gun be tested for movement side to side and up and down. If there's movement then it needs to be taken into account before one lays the money on the table. The good news is its a straight forward repair from a good barrel guy. Just part of the game we have to play to shoot these old guns.

[h1tdk00]

Thanks for the reply.

By any chance do have any recommendations for gunsmiths who could do job?

[vaturkey]

Here's a few:

Dennis Potter in Wisconsin

Del Whitman in Traverse City MI

Brad Bachelder in Grand Rapids MI

All the above are well known and well respected.

[gunut]

I wouldn't worry about what you are describing....

But if you must ...
here are a couple more....
Hugh Lomas ...Wisconsin
Glenn Fewless...Wisconsin

[Brian Dudley]

You dont shoot the gun with the forend off, so why should it be a realistic concern? Shoot it

[Stan Hillis]

Get a small piece of HVAC aluminum tape that is used to wrap joints on HVAC ducts. It will measure somewhere around .002" to .003" in thickness, with the peel-off backing removed. Remove the barrels from your SW and, with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, clean the hook thoroughly. Peel the backing off the small rectangular piece of aluminum tape and carefully place it on the circle of the hook. With an Exacto knife, or something similar but very sharp, trim the excess off the edges of the hook surface. Lube the tape well with a good grease, and reassemble. Unless the gun is severely off face the looseness will be gone. This tape shim will last for awhile ....... I haven't determined how long, yet. Then, you can either send it out to be fixed properly or replace the shim tape with another piece.

Just an alternative suggestion that I have used, that doesn't hurt a natural thing.

SRH