Gents, I started this thread to ask about the proper way of striking off a barrel stamping as when doing a Sterlingworth upgrade. Hopefully this reply will end it.
I did not ask how to restamp or re-engrave a different barrel legend that might be trademarked. These Sterlingworth upgrades are quite common and there is at least one book I'm aware of that's largely dedicated to doing custom Foxes. Mike is absolutely correct, there is no misrepresentation as long as the serial number is not altered - and as everyone knows it's a violation of federal law to do so. All Fox models had different serial number blocks and the s/n positively identifies the gauge, grade, barrel length, manufacturing date and special features (if any) of the gun. There is no way to "misrepresent" this Fox, its serial number tells all. Practically speaking there are thousands of non-collector grade Sterlingworths out there and they are hardly scarce. No one is sacrificing an one-of-kind museum piece here. Many Sterlingworths are in well worn, modified, and even abused condition, and are great platforms for a custom gun.
Lastly let me remind all on this forum there is great diversity in the world. Like it or not, your opinion may be different than someone else's. Who is to say you are correct and another person with a differing viewpoint is not? The world in general and gun builders in particular don't have to conform to your picture of correctness. There's no need to stuff your opinion down someone else's throat, especially on relatively insignificant minutia like this. SHORT ANSWER - GET OVER IT. Frank Silvers
