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The Fox Collectors forum was founded in 2006 to stimulate interest in the history and production of Fox shotguns. We believe you will enjoy our forum and learn more about the rich history of Fox shotguns.
Western Cartridge Co. used the term "Super-Trap" on several different shells over the years. Originally on the Lubaloy shot handicap trap loads put up in their high-brass RECORD shell in 1929 and 30. In 1931 with the introduction of their non-corrosive primers they began putting this "Super-Trap" load in their lower-brass FIELD shell. In late 1936, Western Cartridge Co. discontinued manufacture of their FIELD shell, and in their December 1936 price lists these "Super-Trap" loads were available "subject to stock on hand" --
I, like you, Dave, am more taken with the Western brand than Winchester, but I have a question. I have a full cardboard case, one shell short, of Winchester Ranger, Super Target, skeet loads, paper shells. I have not turned the case over to look for clues. What can you tell us about those loads? They look like loads I shot when I was a teen or preteen, like 1958 or 1959.
Essentially, within a few years after the Olin's took over Winchester, the Winchester shotshell line came to pretty much mirror the Western line, with a few of the less popular loads only offered in one brand or the other. Super-Speed/Super-X comparison mid- to late 1930s --
Winchester --- Western
Super-Speed = Super-X
REPEATER = FIELD (both dropped by late 1936)
LEADER = RECORD (the extra length and KopperKlad/Lubaloy Super-Speed and Super-X loads were put up in these high-brass cases into the early 1950s)
Ranger = Xpert
The December 15, 1954, price lists change from using the "Super Trap Load" and "Super Skeet Load" names to using "Super Target Load."
My Super Target boxes are yellow with red and blue lettering, RT12M9. No description of crimp, but "Exclusive Sealed Gas Chamber" on right side of box.
In 1963 they added the Mark 5 collar and the term "Super Trap Load" appears on the boxes again --
For 1964 they added the poly-formed plastic hulls to the offerings and offered the RANGER and Xpert, Mark 5, in both the plastic and paper shells.
Then for 1965 the Olins introduced the compression formed AAs in 12- and 20-gauge. The Olins continued to offer the RANGER and Xpert, Mark 5, Super Trap and Super Skeet loads, in both paper and plastic, into 1970. For 1971 RANGER and Xpert were gone, replaced by the compression formed Upland shells.
Dave, thanks for this trip into the modern age. I would rather go back to $2.50 paper shells. How much did Nash pay for his last case of 1 3/8 ounce Lubaloy shells? I guess you have told us before.
You are right about that. The shells shipped to Henry for Nash's use were obviously gratis. Two or more cases of the 1 3/8 ounce Lubaloy loads sat in Henry's garage from 1948 to just a few years ago. Apparently, Henry and Doc were not fond of these loads.
Maybe one of our Nash historians can tell us whether Henry and Doc actually did any serious waterfowling after 1948, the date on the bottom of the 3" Lubaloy case. This is to solve the riddle about why the shells stayed in Henry's garage for decades without being used. Did those two great friends of Nash's quit hunting after 1948? Of course, maybe they respected Nash's ownership of the shells and just didn't feel right using them. I am sure both Henry and Doc both owned 3" guns. I have lists of both of their guns, but I don't like sweat beads pooling up on them, so I don't read them very often.
Will we ever forget the shoot at Prospect Hall in West Virginia where Nash's friend "Doc's" Fox and Parker guns were displayed? His outstanding B Grade Parker 8 gauge hammer gun was auctioned several years ago, but the rest of them are reputedly still safe at home.
