New member pics and questions - AE?

[Northof49]

I'm delighted to have found this site, as it's already provided me with a great deal of information about what I think I my Fox 12-gauge is.

I'm hopeful the knowledgeable folks here might help me out a bit more with some questions as I know very little about this shotgun. The photos here, I hope will help with the answers.

I can tell you the shotgun has been in my family for three generations. My grandfather owning it in Manitoba, Canada before passing it on to my father and, he then, on to me. Now that I have the contact details I'll send for a factory letter to see if I can get more on its earliest history.

S/N is 16134
30" barrels
Ejectors (more about them later)

Based on the information here, the letter "A" next to the serial number and the engraving makes this an A-Grade, correct? Or with the ejectors, an AE?

Any rough guide as to when it was manufactured?







This shotgun is staying in the family, and I'd like to shoot it, so I have a couple of questions.

The first is in regard to chamber length. I'll get them measured, but given this vintage is there a likely chamber length? Suggestions as to what length and loads of shells to use would also be appreciated.

Next, an issue with the ejectors. They operate, well, erratically. I've got some snap caps and sometimes both will eject, and other times only one side (not always the same side) will eject. Thoughts on what's happening there?

Thanks in advance.

[Silvers]

Welcome Sir,
From what I can see it looks like you have a nice honest early Fox. I'm a little disappointed you haven't gotten any replies by now. It's now > 2 days and counting. There are plenty of folks here who can answer your questions. Seems like many like to read, but few want to take the time to write. Humm.....

Your AE was made in about 1911. Its chamber length is probably 2-5/8" . There's an ongoing on/off discussion on modern factory shells, and if they're safe and appropriate in old Foxes. Your early Fox has a low carbon steel frame, not the later alloy steel. If you use the search function you'll find many past posts on the shell topic. First and foremost you should get your Fox checked out completely by a competent gunsmith. Assuming you get a green flag, I suggest using RST or similar short 2-1/2" shells that are loaded to low pressure for vintage double guns. I don't know if RST's are available in Canada. You can call or email to them and ask about shipping and Canadian distributors.

http://www.rstshells.com/

Regarding the ejectors, it's not possible to diagnose what's happening without having the gun in hand and doing some modest disassembly. Just for info, your Fox was made in the era when ejectors were transitioning. It may have the first style ejectors which do work well IME, but parts for that system are pretty much unobtainable. Of course anything can be made up in a good machine shop. On the other hand your Fox may have the second type, more common ejectors. Second gen parts aren't too common but sometimes they can can be found with members and others who have parts squirreled away. If you post a good macro picture of the frame knuckle (front radius of the frame where the forend iron mates), one of us will ID the ejector system for you. You'll probably have to get a competent professional to look at the gun to diagnose the ejector problem.

I hope you find this reply helpful. Silvers

One last thought for readers. If you haven't paid annual or life member dues, you're a "registered user", not a "member". There's a major distinction between the two in that members have access to phantom forums here on the site, receive the newsletter, etc etc .... and because of that are generally tapped in, to an increased extent, with the more avid Fox gals and gents. Just the way it is.

[George Lander]

Frank gave you good advice. You have a very nice early A Grade A.H. Fox from your family. Tell us where you are located a perhaps we can recommend a qualified Fox gunsmith to check your gun over. It is possible that you have a sticking ejector from old grease buildup that has hardened. I suggest joining AHFCA and ordering a research letter on your gun. You may be surprised as to what you find there.

Best Regards, George Lander

[2X2]

If you plan on shooting it much, I would address what looks like some oil in the head of the stock where it meets the receiver. Here's how to remove the stock.

http://www.foxcollectors.com/ah_fox/con ... embly.html

If you have done some tinkering with shotguns and choose to remove the stock, get some whiting from Brownells to remove most of the oil from the wood. Above all, do no harm; you have a good gun and family hierloom.

[Northof49]

Thank you Frank, George and 2x2 for the useful replies. Very much appreciated.

I've used the advice you've provided to follow up on several fronts. Unfortunately, RST does not ship into Canada so I'll have to source other 2.5" shells. I can get Kent GameBore shells here, so would appreciate any reviews.

I have taken a photo of the frame knuckle as suggested, and posted it below, to help determine which ejectors are installed. I've also posted a photo of the shotgun in full profile. It still has the Jostam No Kick Coming recoil pad installed (though, understandably, it has seen better days. Your description, Frank, of it being a nice,honest example I think is totally appropriate. I'm now in the hunt for photos of either my father or his father with it in the field.

The point about being a "member" or a "user is a valid one. I identified myself as a member in my original post and, so as to not make a liar out of myself, I have submitted my application and electronic payment for membership.

Advice on a good Fox gunsmith in my area would be appreciated. I'm located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

And as for addressing the oil at the head of the stock, duly noted though I suspect I'll wait a bit before tackling a tear-down.

Looking forward to additional interaction here, and finding out more about this fine shotgun.

[Silvers]

NIce gun! I like to see them that way. Thanks for your signup to the AHFCA, although I wasn't addressing the member/user distinction specifically to you (sorry, I don't know your first name). You had only made one post and, certainly, anyone has to get a feel for an organization before deciding if they want to join. Nonetheless I'm sure you'll enjoy access to the Members Forum, reading the newsletters, etc.

I don't have any personal experience with Gamebore short cartridges and I'm hoping those who do will comment on them. You didn't mention handloading but that's an alternate. Handloading PLASTIC 2-3/4" hulls to LOW PRESSURE will also work, and many of our members do that. Again, be sure to get your Fox checked out for safety and function first.

Thanks for posting the pic. Your AE Fox has the first style ejectors which reportedly were troublesome, and so it's told that Fox went to the second gen system. However I know a few gents who are regularly shooting first style ejector Foxes with no problems. We have several users and members in the far north country, and hopefully one or more will PM or reply here, with a recco for a gunsmith in western Canada. I suspect your erratic ejector problem is in the forend, not in the frame assembly - possibly you'll be able to ship just the forend to a good 'smith in your province, for evaluation and a price quote for repair. Frank Silvers

[spyder]

I have one of each style of ejectors. The early design definitely ejects with lower force than the late design, and sometimes it is not enough to overcome the resistance of a swollen fired shell. The ejector springs are easy to access, however, and one day I plan to see if a good cleaning will help.

Frank