What to look for? 16 ga Sterlingworth

[Shuck M.]

Hi,
I'm looking at a 16 ga tomorrow. I think it might be a Philly gun but I'm not sure. 28" barrels. I believe the stock has been sanded a bit but hasn't been hacked up at all. Otherwise original.

Could someone give me a quick list of what details I should look for?
I know how to inspect for all the usual areas; off-face, barrel cond, etc.
Are they all 2 1/2" chambers?
What serial # ranges or other characteristics are preferred?

Thanks again!

[Twice Barrel]

Most important are the condition of the barrels, no dents, pitting (inside and out) and not cut.
Second is lock up lever to the right is usually a good sign that the gun is not worn, take the forend off, grasp the gun by the action and shake the gun if you don feel any play it is tight. Check the gap between the barrels and standing breech for excessive gap, that will tell you if it is on face.
Lastly check the gun for overall condition, rust, pitting percentage of blue and case colors , condition of checkering and finish.

Unless you measure the chambers you have to assume that they are 2 9/16th inches unless they are marked.

Philadelphia and early Utica guns are most prized for their sleeker styling with early Philadelphia guns are considered to be better finished.

Others may have additional items that they check but this is how I evaluate any double gun.

[mike campbell]

All good suggestions. In addition, scrutinize the ribs, especially the top one every inch of its length for signs of separation. While not a show-stopper, recognize that a loose rib makes it virtually unshootable and will cost about $400 for a complete strip, relay and reblack.

I just bought a 6 lb, 28" early Philly 16ga for a very attractive price because the seller quickly pointed out the loose rib at the muzzle. The thing is, this gun is the proverbial "never a screw turned" example. 99.9% of prospective buyers would pass on it, even though with the repair the investment would still be about 2/3 what they'd have to pay for a comparable one. It's great project fodder for me, but if you're not so inclined it would be a real bummer to discover a separated rib after the fact (been there, too).