Fox guns...OLD vs NEW

[Patty Boomboom]

I'm new to this form and have always loved Fox Shotguns. I hunted and fished with the original vice-president of the Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company in New Britian, Ct. He pasted away many years ago. I did visit their facility many times (both the old and the new factory). I love the creations that Tony Galazan makes and wish the original AH Fox Gun Company had made a 28ga ....but....they never did...too bad. Tony's current crop of 28ga Fox Guns are delightful but I know I will never be able to find the kind of money they bring! If you ever get the chance to visit their facility do it! Call in advance and get a appointment through Lou Frutuoso, sales and marketing manager, ask about a factory tour. Get directions because their factory/showroom is near impossible to find....if you go you will discover what I mean. His contact number is:
(860)-225-6581....worth the trip....also the finest gun room in the world (IMHO).

My question is this (putting aside the 28ga).....if you had a choice which vintage would you prefer?
Discounting all the gold and engraving I still have a warm spot in my heart for the originals!

[AmarilloMike]

I like the Philadelphia XE the best of all of the Foxes. The XEs by CSMC are absolutely gorgeous and the engraving, though much better than the Philadelphia guns, matches the style of the orginals.

I would like to order a CSMC XE 28 gauge with two sets of barrels. One set, 26" with open chokes and splinter forend. The other set would be 32" with IC and full chokes, with its own splinter forend. Straight grip, double triggers, heel and toe plates, 1-1/2 x 2-3/4 x 14-1/2. The gun would weigh 5-1/2 pounds with the 26" barrels and 7 pounds with the 32". The only think holding me back is the $31,000.

[Researcher]

When I visited the new factory Tuesday after The Vintage Cup in 2012, my GPS got me within half a block and then said "navigate off road"!! Unfortunately Lou was with the travelling road show that week down at the NSSA Championships in San Antonio. I just got turned loose in the gunrooms, but no factory tour.

Visited the old place in 2003 when the PGCA had a doings in Meriden. Got the whole tour by Mr. G himself that time.

[Fin2Feather]

The old ones, just 'cause. Those CSMC Foxes might be "better" guns, but you can't buy history, no matter how hard you try. Give me a Fox shotgun that has some stories to tell, and for me, it might as well be a Sterlingworth, or maybe an A Grade. Somehow I think the stories those guns have to tell probably have more in common with mine.

[eightbore]

The CSMC guns will be a piece of history some day.

[Fin2Feather]

Maybe, but I prefer my history while I'm around to enjoy it !

[2lo8s]

I would like to order a CSMC XE 28 gauge with two sets of barrels. One set, 26" with open chokes and splinter forend. The other set would be 32" with IC and full chokes, with its own splinter forend. Straight grip, double triggers, heel and toe plates, 1-1/2 x 2-3/4 x 14-1/2. The gun would weigh 5-1/2 pounds with the 26" barrels and 7 pounds with the 32". The only think holding me back is the $31,000.

I just cornered this CE 28. 26" Mod/IC. 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 14 3/8 to a leather covered pad (not pictured). 5 lbs 9 oz.
I'm not much affected by engraving but I sure appreciate a nice stick of wood.

Old is classic but new doesn't suck.

[AmarilloMike]

That is a beautiful stick of wood and a beautiful gun. Congratulations!

The CSMC "C" engraving is very attractive I think.

"Old is classic but new doesn't suck." Great line! I will wind up plagiarizing it I am sure.