Putting it together.....

[Rallph]

Hi, my name is Rallph, and I am new to this forum. I recently became the owner of a Fox 12 gauge, serial #195838. It's in a badly deteriorated leather case, but the gun seems to be in good condition. Here's my problem: The gun is taken down, and I can't figure out how to put it back together. I see how it SHOULD go, but
the latch refuses to open. I assume there is a "trick" to it, but I'm stumped. A little help will be most appreciated!

[spyder]

Welcome to the forum Rallph. So I assume the Top Lever is in line with the top tang or maybe slightly to the left, and you’re trying to push it to the right and it won’t budge. Is that the case?

[Double O]

Welcome Ralph,
Can you post photos of the gun so we can see what you have and identify any issues?

[jolly bill]

Hi, my name is Rallph, and I am new to this forum. I recently became the owner of a Fox 12 gauge, serial #195838. It's in a badly deteriorated leather case, but the gun seems to be in good condition. Here's my problem: The gun is taken down, and I can't figure out how to put it back together. I see how it SHOULD go, but
the latch refuses to open. I assume there is a "trick" to it, but I'm stumped. A little help will be most appreciated!

Rallph,

The serial number you wrote "195838" is not a SN to be found on an A. H. Fox 12 gauge double. Maybe "19583"? Or something like that.

And are you referring to the finger latch on the fore end?

Yes, as Double O suggests, some good pictures.

Jolly

[Brian Dudley]

Sometimes if the Top lever is released back without the barrels on and allowed to snap back too hard, it can jam up the works. You have to just of apply pressure to the lever and wiggle it around a bit to get it to move over. But, the gun may need to be taken apart, cleaned, lubed and put back together to correct the issue.

[Rallph]

In theory I have no problem taking it apart, but lacking an owners manual, I am not really anxious to do so. Is it possible to find an owners manual....I would be OK with a scanned copy......

[eightbore]

What about repeating that serial number together with other markings on the gun? Of course, pictures would be better.

[Researcher]

Is it possible to find an owners manual....I would be OK with a scanned copy......

No such thing. The lawyers hadn't yet gotten involved in the days the Ansley H. Fox shotgun was made. Often these guns weren't even marked with their gauge and generally weren't marked with chamber length until the late 1930s after the 1937 SAAMI meeting where it was suggested that makers mark their shotguns with chamber length. These tags are what one got with their new Ansley H. Fox shotgun back in the day --

There are disassembly instructions on our home page --

https://www.foxcollectors.com/mechanisms/disassembly

[Rallph]

I can't believe I got the serial number wrong......it is 125238.....any idea about the year? Pictures coming later (soon as I figure out how to do it (not used to "forums" yet)) I have a very beat-up leather case the gun came in. Any ideas about restoring it? I live in the Los Angeles area, so local would be best of course.

[Researcher]

That would be right in the transition era, 1929-1930, between A.H. Fox Gun Co. and Savage Arms Corp. There was a long overlap in 12-gauge Sterlingworths. The lowest Utica marked guns I've recorded are in the 1220xx range and the highest Philadelphia marked guns I've recorded are in the 1286xx range.

[Rallph]

Thanks to "Researcher" for the date info...much appreciated!

[Rallph]

[44whiskey]

fore end wood needs to be removed to assemble hook on barrels to pin in frame. release on fore end at center latch or simply pulling tip away from barrels overcoming spring tension if center latch is not present . all the best 44whiskey

[Rallph]

Thanks to 44whiskey.

[44whiskey]

you are welcome