Ithaca 20 ga Flues vs Fox Sterlingworth 20 ga

BRDHNTR · 03-08-2013, 07:09 AM

How would you compare an Ithaca 20 ga Flues with its Fox counterpart, a Fox Sterlingworth 20 ga.? Assume both guns are in all original and excellent condition.

What are the pros & cons of each? If you had the Ithaca, would you sell or trade it for the Sterlingworth? Again, assume both guns are comparable in condition and specs. (20 ga, mod/improv, 28" bbls etc.)

Would you rather have the Ithaca or the Fox Sw?

Double Lab · 03-08-2013, 07:16 AM

Allen;
I think the Flues is a nice gun but I would opt for the Sterlingworth. Much nicer handling IMHO and very reliable.

Harold Pickens · 03-08-2013, 07:45 AM

I feel the Fox is the better gun, but those little Ithacas were sweet. I had a Grade 1 1/2 20 that for some reason I traded for a Rem 1187 Upland 20 for my son. Isure wish I had that gun back. It was just a shooter, but would have made a great project gun. I regret getting rid of it--now my son kind of likes doubles-crap!

BRDHNTR · 03-08-2013, 07:54 AM

Daryl and Harold, I've been looking at a Fox SW 20 ga all original condition at one of our local gun shops. The Fox has been there for quite a while (there's not a great demand for doubles in this area - so the 3 local gunshops that I frequent tell me). All serial numbers match, bores are bright, bluing on barrels is 95%. Only issue I have is some idiot blued the frame rather than leaving it alone or case coloring it. The good news though is they didn't buff it down much at all and the Fox SW lettering and what I would call the trim around the frame engraving is still strong. I just wish whoever blued the frame would have left it alone or had it re-case colored but not blued. Asking price is $1,200 but the shop owner is practically begging me to make an offer, any offer. I have an Ithaca Flues 20 ga in excellent condition that I had committed to my son in law that I'd hold for our grandson but frankly the Fox holds more appeal than the Ithaca. So, I'm trying to decide which way to go.

Double Lab · 03-08-2013, 08:01 AM

Allen;
I would'nt worry about the blued frame as long as the rest of the gun is in good condition. (barrels ring, tight on face and wood in good condition, etc.) You can always remove the bluing. I'd offer him $800-$900 and go from there. Is it an ejector gun and what length are the barrels? Even if you had to pay the full $1200 in my book that would'nt be the worst deal you ever made.

Harold Pickens · 03-08-2013, 08:10 AM

Every time I sell a gun, I seem to regret it--in saying that I have been thinking about selling the better of my 2 Sterlingworth 20,s. Both are Utica Foxes, the one still has a fair amount of cc, good blue and wood, and 28" barrels. My best friend has first dibs on the gun for his son's grad present. If your other gun doesn't work out, let me know. I have never carried it hunting yet, as I was shooting my 16 SW very well this year( and my 16 VH).

BRDHNTR · 03-08-2013, 08:11 AM

Daryl,
The barrels are 26 ", ring ok and gun is very tight on face. Barrels uncut. I looked in Fox site to get more info on this gun. It's a 1937 20 ga and 26" barrels was a common config. 2 3/4 chambers. ser# 270633. Later model 20 ga gun. wood shows no cracks etc. finish is still good. I'm sorely tempted, just have to convince my son in law now.

Thanks Harold, I'll keep your offer in mind. First step is to inform my son in law that we're going in a different direction, then sell the Ithaca. The 20 Fox SW at the local gun shop isn't going anywhere soon. I too hunt with a 16 ga (VH) for upland and have most of my life except for ducks. Could never bring myself to take the VH out on open salt water. A 20 ga for my grandson is a nice gauge for him to start out with. And what better way to 'corrupt' is soul than to introduce him to the world of double guns!

Harold Pickens · 03-08-2013, 08:46 AM

Allen,
that sounds like a pretty nice gun, especially if you can pick it up for a grand. Those Savage/Utica Foxes are chambered 2 3/4 , so you dont have to worry about that, and generally the dimensions are more modern. Mine is 28" chked ic/m, with a 14 1/4 lop and seems to have 2 5/8" DAH or less. Remember what they used to say about Fox gunsmiths-- there aren't many cause Foxes never broke down.

BRDHNTR · 03-08-2013, 08:51 AM

I think he'll go for around $900

Holeshot · 03-08-2013, 08:56 AM

I think the later foxes had the silvery frame. Pretty sure you can strip the bluing from frame if desired. I paid 1400.00 for mine several years ago. 1200. seems reasonable. I had to have an early Ithaca, shot it a few times now it sets while I take the Parkers and the Fox out. A fox 20 and 16 are very nice field companions.