The point of the initial question is about where the CoB should fall on this given gun. It is a purely subjective and speculative question. And the answer is, " Depends on who will be shooting the gun and his/her personal preference."
The gun has been restocked and I believe the stocking might have added 5-6 ounces or so to the gun.
The gun has three weight barrels, other three weight barreled guns weigh in the 6lbs 8oz or so range, not 6lb 13oz range it currently sits at. Yet the gun balances where most of us normally think it should, on the hinge pin. Minor experiments at adding 5-6 ounces in the range of where the opposite weight falls shows it might have been 3/4 inches in front of the hinge pin if my theory is correct that the restocking changed it. Sounds reasonable except why "should" the balance be at or near the hinge pin?
My research has shown me that Fox did custom guns with CoB in front of the hinge pin by as much a 1 inch (possibly more) so it is within the range of probability even a Sterlingworth could have been so built (this one was built with at least two barrels. I have written for a factory letter so we will see if there is anything in the old files. It is likely that those details if they existed will not be there. Doubt the gun ever had a balance spec.
I agree with what others have posted about shooting it for awhile to determine if the CoB agrees with me or not before altering. That the actual feel of the gun is more important than a particular CoB point. Yes, well said.
I further agree that the CoB in relation to the trigger hand is more important than the hinge pin, but I caveat that statement with the added observation that it also depends on where one habitually places their hand on the forend. Ultimately as pointed out by Rocketman it is preference. Yes, you understand! There is no "where it should be" until we know who is shooting.
This gun is only a fowl weather back-up as I could not resist the three barrel set and I always regretted selling my Fox years ago. The questions about this gun and CoB are esoteric and part of what I do on every gun which is to make every observation possible and know all I can figure about them. A very fine practice.
All commentary offered in the hope of helping advance truth and understanding.
DDA
