Have been bent for an American SXS lately and have found a late 30s Utica made Savage Fox Sterlingworth. It's proofed for 2 3/4 16ga which is appealing. I've read lots of online opinions that favor the Philly guns but the premiums on the 16s and 20s is out of my reach. Also considered a Ithaca Flues, NID, or Nitro Special in 20 or 16. Any opinions?
One plus of a Utica gun will be its modern dimensions. If it's clean and priced right, buy it. Otherwise, please PM me the details and I'll buy it.
Don't go looking for it! Does $800 seem fair. Lever to right. Clean bores. No cracks. Refinished wood is so so to original plate.
Don't even think twice at that price, if it's clean and locks up tight
How would you compare a Utica Sterlingworth to a Ithaca NID or Nitro in quality?
The Fox and the NID are pretty comparable in quality, grade for grade. Both VERY sturdy shooters.
The Nitro is also very sturdy, but of much lower finish. Still a good/safe shooter with modern ammo.
Thanks guys y'all are a lot of help.
I would stay away from the Flues, not as strong. All the others you mentioned are good to go if the barrels and not loose on the frame.
IIRC THE Flues was also prone to splitting the stock at the tang
So many details to know to avoid getting upside down in one of those. A ugartechea 16 bore is also on my list, though obviuosly not as classic.
Get the S/W, they are about as bullet proof of antique guns as you can find. The build quality is the same as the graded guns just don't include the checkering. A small bore for under $1K is a great deal if its in reasonably good shape at all. You won't regret the Fox!