Fox Sterlingworth 20 gauge - Gets harder to open

[Bince]

I am fortunate to own a nice 1934 vintage Fox Sterlingworth 20 gauge with 30 inch barrels. It was shipped from the Savage factory in Utica, NY. While preparing for a pheasant tower shoot recently, I shot sporting clays with it several times.

For those unfortunate members stuck up North in the cold, January is a very good time to shoot sporting clays here in central Florida. It cools down to the 70's and is sunny.

My issue/question is: The gun warms up gradually as I go from station to station. As it does, it gets more difficult to open. Sometimes I have to pry it open, which is not good. In a hunting situation, this would not be an issue.

I am hoping to hear from all those experts out there if this situation is normal or not.

Regards,

Bince

[vaturkey]

This string of posts might help:

https://forum.foxcollectors.com/viewtop ... t=dragging

[Bince]

Interesting information. I am using AA reloads with Winchester 209 primers. I will load up some Remington cases and see if that makes a difference. Maybe I am fooling myself with gun warming up factor.

Regards,

Bince

[vaturkey]

Interesting information. I am using AA reloads with Winchester 209 primers. I will load up some Remington cases and see if that makes a difference. Maybe I am fooling myself with gun warming up factor.

Regards,

Bince

Is it an extractor gun?

[DarylC]

Mike,
I shoot my 30" and 32" 20 SW on clays, reload with Cheddite or Nobel Sport primers and have not had that problem. Lucky I guess.

[Bince]

In answer to the question above, it is an extractor gun.