Fox Collectors

The next one.

That's what I always tell myself.

I do not really collect, am here more to learn, but a great Fox collection, or any other type, would be what makes you happy. I'm happy with a CSMC gun after owning a couple Sterlingworths, and in picking up an early 12ga B that needs attention I've found something to devote some attention to as much out of curiosity as a desire to own something. It's the period American firearms industry, production, manufacture, design, etc. that attracts me and I find it in repeaters and other SxS as well.

Interesting responses so far. I really like Jolly's comment about the great and helpful people you meet in this hobby. My best and most cherished friends are follow gun collectors and hunting buddies. It is also interesting how many don't consider themselves collectors but own multiple Fox guns. Also many don't have a collecting focus, they just buy what they like and don't want or try to define that, interesting.
It's also interesting how one interest leads to another in many cases. I enjoy reloading and that has lend to an interest in guns and loads basically not commercially available like 10ga or obsolete rifle cartridges.

In sixty years of buying and collecting, I have never had a focus, only bought what I liked. I never had a want list, but I like Model 12s, 42s, 97s, Prussian Dalys, Parkers, Foxes, both singles and doubles, Model 21s, Smiths, Lefevers, prewar custom rifles, especially 03 Springfields and Winchesters, Ithaca 37s and Knicks, Remington pump guns, provenanced guns, English doubles, some Spanish guns, and big bore guns, eights and tens. Luckily, in sixty years of collecting, I have acquired great examples, sometimes more than just examples, of all of these categories. My collecting got in the way of my bird hunting, so I have not shot all of these guns over my dogs, unfortunately. I am birddogless for only the second year in my 73 years, but hope to end that situation soon. Bill Murphy, Life Member.

If I followed the buy what I like I would have a gun collection that filled every space in my house and no money for groceries and gas!!!. My interest is very wide in terms of vintage firearms, I kinda like them all, US military, antique lever guns especially Winchester 1886's, and Winchester 1885, high grade .22's, pre 64 model 70's, English shotguns and on and on. So a budget has made me focus my mind and collection.

Sorry, Craig, I forgot about the high grade .22s, 1885 Winchester single shots, and U.S. Military. Thanks for reminding me.

Bill, what about Browning Superposeds?

Sorry, Dave, I forgot that I have a few outrageous prewar and early postwar Supers and A-5s. Shot with Kevin McCormack this morning. He was shooting the best early Diana I have ever seen. He also once owned the Robert Stack Grade V, another great Super.

My official goal had been a Super Fox, Sterlingworths in all three gauges and an A, B, and C from the pre-1913 years. Also a Philly Arms Fox. I now have all of those. The 20 gauge Sterlingworth is full/mod and is my wood duck gun. Another 20 gauge for upland birds is probably next on the list

Mills you have a great Fox collecting goal which is not easy to accomplish but doable. The pre-13 A,B and C's are really nice guns, I have a nice C but have never come across a nice B. The Sterlys are great guns and having one in each gauge is quite doable even if you want to only collect a specific period or barrel length. I have owned a bunch of Sterlingwoths but eventually sold them all off or given them as gifts to young shooters. Recently, had a near mint 32" 12ga that went to another AHFCA member, a 16ga 32" that went to a good friend who collects small bore 32's and a nice 20ga 26 that I gifted to my son. Mills a nice XE would be nice, just say'in.

My C has a bad stock, so it is in the project line. As I was picking up the C from my ffl, he had the 32 inch sterlingworth just sitting there, it was priced fairly and he had some money for me for a gun he sold for me so it just fell into place. The sterlingworth is a great shooter.

Here's a nice addition to my Fox collection. A mom and 4 young ones (Kits) playing in my back yard.

Buying just one more Fox!!!

My taste/desires run in a couple different veins for Fox collecting. First I love small bore graded guns. Secondly, I love the Super (HE’s) and Wildfowl Guns for Turkey hunting and the appeal of long legged guns! Finally, I like the rarity, unique quality’s of the SP’s. While Savage era guns I’ve seen and have some cool variations!!

What makes a great Fox collection for me is having one in my collection. Not that what I have is really a 'collection' but does include o/u's, pump's, but no sxs
That is until last week when I walked into a really fine gun store to pickup some power and wads. That's all. Power and wads. oh and a pretty nice Ansley H. Fox A Grade, SXS shotgun

This particular 12 ga gun

Krupp Fluid Steel Made By
A.H. Fox Gun Co. Phila. PA

Pat'D Aug. 1 1905
Oct 17 1905 - Jan. 16 1906
SN: 174x

is a shooter. I know because I cleaned it and shot a round of trap with it. I intend to shoot some skeet with it as well (and not just on vintage day )!