Fox Collectors

So I was looking for a new SxS and ended up with a what I believe is an early Fox. The question I have is, is it safe to shoot? I believe it was made in 1908 based on the serial,7834. Its an A grade with Krupp barrels and its in really nice condition with all matching serials. I don't want to damage the gun, but I also don't want a gun I can't shoot. I'll be taking it to a gunsmith, but does any one have experience with these old gals and new loads? Thanks in advance for your response.

To make sure the gun is safe to shoot, you might want your smith to check it out; even though, it sounds like it's in good shape.

Also, read this link http://foxcollectors.com/My%20Forum/php ... ads#p23875 and read the post that "Researcher" submitted.

If, after your smith checks out the gun and you read that link, you have questions, you can post more questions in the "Fox Collectors" area on the board.

There are other posts that have the same kind of subject matter.


If you can, post some pics of it, everyone always likes to see gun porn.



Mike

Thanks. I'll be sure to put some pics up.

Very interesting read in that other post by Researcher. Hopefully the Smith tells me there's some over the counter loads I can use in it. Otherwise its off to market for this gun and I'll hunt down a more recent coach gun or 311 to cut off for home defense.

BMUIR,

I could really use a nice pic of a 1908 A-grade for a project I'm working on. Would love to see her. I have a kissing cousin to yours,
(#7633) but some goofball added a bunch of scratching on the frame. Thanks----TOOL

I'll be sure to get some pics up for you after work. Id like to see some of yours as well.

bmuir,

As already recommended, have a competent gunsmith look over your early A 12 gauge to make sure it can handle modern loads.

I have a similar period early A 12 gauge, serial number 7983, that I purchased 45 years ago this month and it is in very nice condition. See pix below.

In the early years owning and hunting with this gun, I used 2 3/4" magnums for goose hunting. Probably shot 2 or 3 boxes of those loads in the old girl and it is as tight as ever. Shot many, many boxes of standard 2 3/4" hunting loads with no noticeable problems.

If your gun is sound, I suspect light field loads should be a breeze.

But by all means, have it checked out and knowing what I now know, I would not recommend shooting those older 2 /3/4 inch magnums in your gun.

And if the gun is quite nice, we're hoping your gun is not a candidate to get the barrels bobbed for a home defense gun. Those early Fox'es are real classics.

Yeah, let's see some pictures.

Jolly

Toolman, the link below was from when I posted about my 1909 vintage Early A. Maybe the pitures in it might help.

http://foxcollectors.com/My%20Forum/php ... f=2&t=1861

Jolly Bill,

No worries, I wouldn't cut her hair like that. Id rather get a 311 or a norinco to mess with, not ruin a piece of Americana. More than likely she'll end up with someone else who gets more enjoyment out of her. Don't have a lot of room left in the safe and since we don't bird hunt much anymore, the bird guns I have are enough. I am thinking about sending off a check to the Savage historian to give the gun a little provenance. What a neat program he has set up. As a person who really enjoys military arms, knowing a little personal history to any firearm great.

Toolman,

Sorry for the delay in getting these up. A water main break had me stepping and fetching last night.

Ill take better pics once I get her professionally cleaned up. Figured Id let my smith put a good rubbing on her while he checks her over.

It shows a little age, but I like it!

Wished I had one!


Mike

bmuir,

Decent early A 12 that's definitely seen some action but still looks very shootable with light loads.

John Callahan may not have any info on your early gun, SN 7834. Most of the pre 10000 serial numbered factory cards are missing.

Jolly

It is hard to tell from your photo's but early Fox guns, even the A's had some fantastic wood. I was totally shocked at the quality when I got mine redone. When I bought it the finish was crazed and crackled and so dark it hid most of the figure. I thought it had potential but was extremely impressed with the results.

Romac,

Sure have to agree with you on the wood they put on those early A's.

Here's the wood on my Early A 7983 . .

Jolly

Well that's too bad about the historian. Those stocks look fantastic. Hopefully the Smith can get it looking as sharp as all that I've seen on here. Are SxS's really commanding the prices i'm seeing on line?

Anyone here local to St Louis that can recommend a Smith that works on AH Fox's? F&D is who I typically use.

I think there is a guy name Buck Hamlin that's close to St. Louis that could probably handle what you are looking for.

Mike