Fox, sn368742, 1932, 16GA, 5lbs. 15oz.
THE A.H. FOX 16 GAUGE STERLINGWORTH—THE BEST VALUE IN THE VINTAGE AMERICAN DOUBLEGUN WORLD, BAR NONE! Why such a bold claim? First, Fox 16-gauge guns are built on the 20-gauge frame, providing light weight, superbly balanced guns that outshine other American makers. The Fox 16ga. gun typically weighs from 5 ¾ lbs. to 6 1/4lbs. Parker, L.C. Smith, Ithaca, Lefever, or Winchester Model 21 guns in 16ga. typically weigh at least a 1/2lb. heavier. Second, the Fox Sterlingworth is mechanically the same as all other grades of the A.H. Fox gun, having the fewest parts and smallest action of any of its competitors. The Fox gun mechanism is reliable, simple, and efficient. The barrels and action made of the finest steels of its time, and the dynamic handling characteristics of the gun are superb. Third, because they made a lot of them, the price is very affordable. With so many of them out there, how do you know which one to buy? Many of the Sterlingworth guns were used hard and not well maintained. IT IS EASY TO BUY THE WRONG GUN WITH COSTLY ISSUES. At Vintage Firearms, Inc. (VFI) we inspect each gun before purchase. We NEVER buy a “lemon” so we never have to sell a “lemon”. On this gun, we stripped the action to the smallest part, Ultrasonic cleaned and scrubbed all parts to shiny metal, inspected all parts for integrity and function, lubricated and reassembled, providing a VFI CERTIFIED GUN for your purchase, a $275 service in our shop. VFI CERTIFIED GUNS have a 90-day mechanical warranty providing confidence you are buying a fine shotgun that will provide years of service in the field. Additionally, early American 16ga. guns were short chambered for 2 9/16” shells. PRESENTLY IT IS DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO FIND 2 ½” 16GA. SHELLS TO PURCHASE. BECAUSE OF THIS, VFI GUNSMITHS HAVE CAREFULLY MEASURED THE BARREL WALL THICKNESS AHEAD OF THE CHAMBER, AND WHENEVER IT IS SAFE, HAVE LENGTHENED THE CHAMBERS TO 2 ¾” AND EXTENDED THE FORCING CONES TO 1 ½” TAPERS SO THAT YOU CAN SHOOT MODERN 2 ¾” FIELD LOADS THROUGH OUR GUNS. This is a $360 service in our shop. Other important factors are condition of the metal, screws, wood, and bores. We provide the most comprehensive photography and specifications in the marketplace, information that allows you to make a good choice. Just remember, nowhere is it more apparent than in the gun world…you get what you pay for! If you want an upland gun you can rely on, buy one that is field ready and can safely shoot modern, available field loads. This gun, sn368742 built in 1932 with all Philly parts, is a gun YOU SHOULD BUY, as it is in superb condition with 70% factory case color, VFI restored wood and checkering, and 26” number 3 weight barrels that have mirror bores, 98% factory blue, tight ribs, and are tight on the hinge pin and breech face like a new gun. See the specifications below. Weighing just 5lbs. 15oz. and balanced just right between the hands, this gun is VFI CERTIFIED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, HAS 2 ¾” CHAMBERS WITH LONG FORCING CONES, AND NEEDS NOTHING BUT A DATE WITH THE UPLANDS OR CLAY TARGETS. Considering the condition of the gun, the over $1425 worth of services already completed on the gun (chambers, cones, stock restoration). Thanks for looking!
Barrels: 26" #3wt
Chokes: .003/.015
Bores: mirror
Bore Diam.: .658/.658
Wall Thickness: .033/.034
% Blue: 98% factory
Chambers: 2 3/4"
Ribs: tight
Sights: Front brass
Action: Tight centered
Extractors
Receiver: 70%
Screws: perfect
Engraving: clear, sharp
Triggers: double-crisp
Trigger: 95%
Stock: Capped Pistol Grip/splinter
LOP: 14 1/8"
LOP To End Of Wood: 13 7/8"
DAH: 2 5/8"
DAC: 1 1/2"
Cast: neutral
Checkering: excellent
Butt: factory plate
