All- Just found this website - some great info here. Tried the search function, but didn't find much along the lines of my questions.
I have a 16 ga Fox Sterlingworth that my grandfather bought new in '28 that is certainly worth more from a sentimental standpoint than a $ value standpoint. The metal is in good shape, but for some reason in the 80's my dad had the barrels and action! re-blued. The wood is another story..... As a kid, my dad sanded down the checkering and put his initials in the fore arm (albeit very very small) and the wrist on the stock is cracked where it is unusable today....
Any suggestions (and ideas of cost) to
1. have the stock repaired, or purchase a new (used) stock. I am leaning towards repair - there is just something about holding the same stock my grandfather and father held over the past 80 years. Funds are a little tight and I could live without re-checkering now, but would eventually like to. I think I could even refinish the wood myself. It looks like all it takes is time and some knowledge gathered from this website.
2. get the action back to original shape with a case-colored finish instead of a blued finish?
I am in Austin Texas and cannot find anyone locally that is much help. I appreciate any input. Thanks.
