Fox Collectors

Recently got a hold of a 1930 16 gauge sterlingworth for what I thought was a reasonable price $300. Wood on the gun looks good with very little dings and checkering is in good shape. Looking at the end of the barrel I noticed it looks like the rib on one side appears to be off the barrel , its barely noticeable but I can see it. My question is what are some of your opinions on this ? Is this a costly repair ? The barrels measure 28" and I'm not sure if they've been cut. The barrels were reblued but from what I can tell it was done from a cold blue kit. My plan with this gun was to semi restore this gun for my personal use but now I'm really not sure what to do. Looking for some input from the forum. I've just started to get into the old American sxs guns. Thanks

It may be possible to do a spot weld on the rib, but maybe not. To relay just one rib, I think you are looking at circa $150. If you want to relay both and also get a proper rust blue you are looking at circa $550. I'm basing the costs on what I just looked at on the web. Post a couple of pictures and perhaps we can judge better.

It's the left side of the rib and it looks to go about an inch down the barrel. It's very hard to see and I didn't notice at first

I say the barrels are cut. Muzzle looks pretty crude to me.
Check out choking and also the balance of the gun.

Pull at the top rib and see of there is movement.

Brian Dudley wrote:I say the barrels are cut. Muzzle looks pretty crude to me.
Check out choking and also the balance of the gun.

Pull at the top rib and see of there is movement.

No movement on the rib Brian. I spoke with you earlier today after I posted on the forum. I didn't measure the chokes but the gun seems to balance ok. Still debating on whether it's worth getting the barrels redone. I know they would be done right if you did them

"Still debating on whether it's worth getting the barrels redone. I know they would be done right if you did them." If money is really tight, pass the gun onto someone else. If you have the money, then....Save a Fox, have it done. It'll still be a wonderful gun to shoot. I shot my sawed off Sterlingworth today and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fox chokes should be 3 to 4" long. If you have someone who can measure the length of the chokes that would tell you what you have. Also, you didn't say what the choke constriction was currently. If they are full and mod then I doubt they have been cut. Agree with Brian, something look amiss.

If there is any rib issue, I recommend a dry rub followed by 3 hours of a slow smoke. Enjoy them with onion rings and a cold beverage of your choice. What say you Brian Dudley??

The barrels are cut apparently. Brownells sells a solder that melts at just 400 degrees and you can melt solder down in the voids with just a soldering gun, then smooth it over with a fine emery board, since you say the ribs are tight. The voids will then not bother you.