Ithaca 20 ga Flues vs Fox Sterlingworth 20 ga

[BRDHNTR]

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]

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]

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).