Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

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Guyk01
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Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Guyk01 »

I have a fox Utica made 16 gauge with a screw protruding in front of the safety.
How should I deal with this?
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Fin2Feather
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Fin2Feather »

I'm far from an expert; I just looked at my six Foxes (3 Utica, 3 Philly) and on each that part is flush with a finished end. I believe the "business end" is accessed under the trigger guard. I have no idea why it would be protruding like that; someone with technical knowledge will probably chime in.
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Guyk01
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Guyk01 »

Thank you… I just picked it up and would like to correct that but I’m not sure how
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Bob Jurewicz »

I would take the trigger guard off to expose the head of the screw. Remove that screw. Shorten it 2 threads by grinding. Clean the threads so it will thread well into the top tang. Put it back together.
Problem solved.
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Guyk01 »

I will do that… thank you very much
Ken
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Silvers »

An alternate fix is to put a thin shim washer(s) over the shank/under the head of the rear tang screw that’s located under the trigger guard. Most anyone with some mechanical ability can make one or more shim washers from thin metal stock. Add more washers until the end of the screw, when tightened, is flush with the contour of the top tang. Just one watchout, that rear tang screw MUST be tight but don’t reef on it. That’s because there’s very little wood bearing surface under the rear tang and it's easily compressed and can start a crack or split ..... one of the design limitations of AH Fox shotguns. frank
Last edited by Silvers on Sat Nov 22, 2025 4:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Researcher »

Just what I can see looking at that picture, that doesn't look like a Savage-era checkering pattern. So, I'm thinking it may be aftermarket wood and a fault of the inletting.
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Guyk01
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Guyk01 »

Not perfect but much better
Removed the screw and filed it until it was tight and flush
This gun has definitely had after market work but it seems well done and is actually quite comfortable and fits well
Thanks everybody
Ken
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Jeff S »

Looks great! What sort of hunting will you be doing? I would like to hear stories, successful or not.
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by ROMAC »

The web of your palm will appreciate what you did.

Been there and done that.
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by jolly bill »

Nice job and it looks like you like to hunt turkey's and do quite well. Nice going and nice gun. Nice close up pictures too.
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by DarylC »

Yes, nice job on the screw. Good eye Bill on the beards. :)
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Jeff S »

jolly bill wrote: Sun Nov 23, 2025 11:35 pm Nice job and it looks like you like to hunt turkey's and do quite well. Nice going and nice gun. Nice close up pictures too.
I think I counted 31 beards. That’s a lot of turkeys.
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Re: Utica Fox 16 protruding screw

Post by Guyk01 »

lol… I do like turkey hunting…
I’ll be using this gun next year for ruffed and dusky grouse in Idaho
Ken
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