Fox Collectors

What is the best cleaning method for a fox gun? Is it a good idea to remove the forend stock and the barrels from the receiver? I am not that familiar with double guns and this new guy needs a few tips. How do you field strip a Fox, or do you even need to?

Don

Removing the forend and barrels, wiping down all the metal surfaces with an oily rag and passing an oily mop through the bores is something I do after every single outing. It's a good idea to put some grease on the barrel hook and the exposed, curved end of the forend iron where it contacts the "knuckle" of the receiver. IMO, the barnd of grease is far less important than the fact that I remove it (with accumulated grit) and repalce it frequently. Sort of akin to brushing your teeth and flossing before bedtime....or several times a day if you're inclined.

OTOH, removing the buttstock is akin to minor surgery....something best not done unless you suspect a problem. There are some that have not been removed for 80 years with no ill effect. In fact, trying to remove one the first time may well do more harm than good. And if you're only going to attempt it when there's a problem, a true novice with double guns might best seek professional help anyway.

Thanks, Mike. I have heard that forend just pulls off, but I have not attempted this. Where can I get some disassembly info for the forend and barrels? I assume the pin has to be taken out to get off the barrels. I have not seen this done and would like to get some clear instructions before I attempt this. Or take a trip down to the gunsmith. I sure don't want to break anything!

Don

If theres' a metal latch in the forend, just hook it with your fingertip and pull it down....the forend will come off. Try it over the bed first in case you should drop something.

If there's no metal latch, just plain wood, it simply snaps on and off. Typically, a right hander would stand the gun on its butt, gripping the barrels in the left hand just above the forend tip. Grip the wood between thumb and a couple of fingers, hook the index finger over the tip and tug.

With the forend off, the barrels remain attached to the receiver until you move the top lever, as you would if you were opening the gun to load it. When you do that with the forend removed you can move the open barrels up and to the rear and the barrel hook will disengage from the recess in the frame.
Assemble in reverse, being sure to never force anything. The barrels should go back on and close easily. To attach the forend you need to line up the forend iron with its mating parts in the frame, then pivot it in to the barrels. There will be a little normal resistance to locking the forend on and a newbie may not recognize how much is appropriate. If in doubt, seek help....even an owner of an O/U will be able to guide you. It's a simple process, but maybe tough to comprehend from the written word.

Mike, thanks for clearing up this little mystery for me. I was able to take it down without breaking anything! A very easy operation. And all the serial numbers match up. This is really a very nice gun. I may have to think about getting at least another one!

OH!!!!!!OH!!!!!! Somebodys hooked already. Happy Foxing, Lee.

Yep, That's how it starts!!! and then a third and a fourth , etc. etc. Paul

Now that I have the butt stock off. Would there be anything that I could do to cleaning the action without taking it any further apart. Soaking? Air hose? etc?
Thanks,
Clay

Clay now that you have the stock off soak a couple of Q-Tips in a good CLP product like Breakfree. Swab out any debris, accumulated grunge and solidified grease and let the action dry once it is cleaned. The CLP will leave a residual coating that will both lubricate and protect the innards. Caution make sure that there isn't any residual liquid left that can run down into your stock and soften your wood now that you have it all fixed and bedded.