The only American-made double I've ever owned, was an early Stevens 311 in 16. I shaved off the pistol grip, made it into an English style stock and finished/hunted it for a couple of years. That was my first double and I took some grouse and pheasants with it. My tastes fell more to the continental made guns since then and that is where my collection of hunting guns lies. However, I've been feeling lately that I "need" a Sterlingworth in 16 gauge to hunt in the uplands. Seems logical right? Now, I'm not looking for a high grade gun, just something light and svelte to carry for grouse and enjoy the nostalgia. I'm not worried about existing case coloring or fancy wood, but just no pitting.

Given those conditions, what would be a reasonable price point for that gun in todays market? I should add that I'm not impartial to the Philly guns over the Utica/Savage guns. Any quirks on these guns or do they tend to loosen up more quickly than say an over-built German double? Any insight, guidance or discussion is welcome!

In my opinion a 16 gauge Fox is the ideal upland bird gun.Try to find one that fits you. Bobby

look on gunbroker now and from time to time...

Yes, I'm aware of this technique for gauging prices, and I do follow the sales, but I'm asking for opinions and perhaps an idea from some people who have recently purchased one or who buy, sell and trade in Foxes to add some further insight.

In a 16 gauge Sterlingworth, I would say you could get one in decent shape for $1,000 to $1,200 if you keep your eye open. That would be for an extractor gun with 26 or 28 inch barrels. Now finding one with decent dimensions is another element. Most are going to be circa 14 1/4" LOP and have 2 3/4 DAH.

I recently (two months ago) sold a 16 gauge 1926 SW for $1520.

The guy buying it wanted a gun for an upgrade project. This gun had no finishes left, the barrel blueing had been stripped maybe 15 years ago to start a refinishing but then left that way. And the stock had been stripped of finish and cut to 12" LOP. In short, it looked a disaster.

However, no rust of any significance anywhere. 28" #3 weight barrels never honed and tightly choked. Bores completely clean. Tight and on face. In short, a great starting point for an upgrade. And that was the assessment of the gunsmith overseeing the project. They had been looking hard and couldn't find a better starting point for $1500 or less.

It wasn't a gun to take out and hunt but they couldn't find a shooter that was whole for less. Good luck in your search.

The wood looked great on this one, but the seller never responded to my questions and I was concerned the receiver was over buffed. I was also concerned that the tubes were hot blued, but it doesn't really look like they were. The pictures were poor and I wasnt really willing to take the risk without a response from the seller.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/777429329

The A.H. Fox is not a bad gun. Matter of fact I used to own two of them. The prices for field worn guns in excellent mechanical order are: $600 12 ga extractor $1000 for 12ga ejector, $1200 for 16ga extractor and $1400-$1500 for 20ga extractor.

Now is a great time to buy one...Geo

re: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/777429329...

minimal description and no return policy...not willing to roll the dice either...

Falls: check your pm's.

Did you not read my post, two above yours? A 16 gauge extractor gun that needs a stock replacement and barrels blued just fetched $1500 from people who had shopped the market for 6 months.

You make pronouncements like you know what you are talking about and yet you are ignorant of the most basic facts.

No.

Bought a nice using 16 ga at the last AGCA show. 1300.00 was a fair price to me and seller.

In 1990, I bought an AE grade Fox 16 with 28" Krupp barrels and factory straight hand stock. The but stock had been replaced. I paid $2200 at that time. Today the same gun would go for about $5000+.

The prices on these guns just keep rising. Bought a A grade 20 gauge with 30" Chromox barrels about 2 years ago for $2500 - a steal at that price. At the same time I bought a 20 gauge Sterly for small money. I sold the graded 20 for $5500. Gave the Sterly to a friend and beginning bird hunter.

If you can find a un-messed with Sterly 16 for $1500, I would buy it right away.

Oops. double post.

I purchased an 28" AE 16 gauge this past winter for $1,800 but it needed a restock. I think it was a darn good deal even counting the restock. I still stand by my original assessment that you can find a decent 16 gauge Sterly for $1,200. It won't be an ejector gun and it won't have a pile of case color, but they are out there. Now, 20 gauge is a totally different bird. A 26" Sterly 20 in decent shape just sold for over $1,700 last week on GB.

What, if anything, makes a Sterlingworth worth gold?

Simply, it's a field grade double whose many virtues are easily appreciated. Thus, a strong demand.

SRH