AFG and Friends:
Looking at this as a systems failure, we can likely point in a direction, if not prove anything.
Current SAAMI standard ammo has a max average pressure of 11,500 psi and the Sterlingworth should handle that with aplomb. Even 2 at the same time, although I wouldnt recommend a steady diet. The barrels didnt blow. The real issue is the creation of excessive bending moment at the standing breech. This produces frame cracking, a la the Ithaca Flues. As you may recall, I have a good deal of interest in the Ithaca Flues frame cracking story. When I was much younger and less informed, I used to pull both triggers on my 20g Flues and fire both barrels at once on purpose, as part of a range firing demonstration at the Scout camp where I was range officer. Never hurt the gun.
The frame "split in two". I interpret that as it parted into a left half and right half. That would suggest that we do not have a bending moment at the standing breech issue, but rather a material flaw in the action, and failure resulting from exposure to excessive recoil, but nonetheless recoil which if the gun were sound, would have been shrugged off.
It sounds like the frame failed. Whether or not this is re-case related or not, there is no way of knowing. Photos of the frame would be VERY helpful. If you find that you do not want the frame, I might be able to have it examined at the Texas A & M Mechanical Engineering Laboratory.
As Miller suggested, perhaps there is more danger in a re-case than suspected, or pehaps this one is just one that wasnt done right. Perhaps we can learn a bit more.
I would also suggest this is an aberration - I wouldnt worry to much about shooting good condition guns with proper ammunition. My Fluzie 20g is still going strong.
Glad you werent injured.
Regards
GKT
