Fox Collectors

I am brand new to this forum and am diligently searching for my first Fox. I have found two graded 12 gauge Foxes in Cabela's gun library and one Sterlingworth 20 gauge in very nice shape from a private seller.

I originally wanted a 20 gauge, but all of my current autos and pumps are 12's. Is the graded gun much more desireable than the Sterlingworth? This will be a dove and upland gun only. I expect to shoot 250 - 500 rounds per year through it. I'm planning on taking it to Bill Schwarz for restoration as I have no plans of ever selling it or any classic American double that comes into my hands.

The top end of my budget for this first gun is $2000.00 for my initial purchase. I plan on doing the restoration within the first two years of buying the gun.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've learned alot from reading the posts here. I plan on buying McIntosh's book as soon as I find one for less than a signed copy of the book of Genesis.

Patrick

A Sterlingworth is a great choice for your first vintage SxS shotgun, lots of gun for the dollar----best value in American classics in my opinion. I would suggest you buy a unmessed with gun with very good to excellent original condition.
You should be able to find such a gun in the $700. to $1000. range. I would not consider restoring a Sterlingworth due to the cost of a full restoration and the fact that so many still exist in high original condition. Restoring field grade guns is a losing proposition in my opinion.
Graded Foxes are considerably more expensive than Sterlingworths---finding a fine one inside your current budget would be difficult.
Look at lots of Sterlingworths before you buy there are tons of them for sale at depressed prices at this time in my opinion. Good luck!
Consider joining the AHFCA--it will be the best investment you will make in your Fox education.

Thank you for the response. I just submitted my membership application and payment, so I hope to be on the Members Only section soon.

The reason I asked about the graded gun was that I found these in Cabela's Gun Library and was thinking about buying one since they were both under $2000.


I had actually rather buy from someone recommended by the AHFCA since I don't know how thoroughly Cabela's inspects their guns. I have had good luck with Cabela's customer service in the past, but don't know if they would take a return on a gun that failed an after-sale inspection. I would be very interested if anyone thinks these guns would be a worthwhile purchase.

Thanks again for the response. The wealth of information here is incredible.

I deleted the links you had in your post regarding the Cabela's guns---please note direct links to guns for sale are not allowed on the public forum.

"Fox guns for sale or direct references to guns for sale may not be posted here. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: A personal gun that’s obviously for sale or would appear to be for sale; or if a link is posted to some other site where the gun is for sale. Please note that references to guns posted elsewhere are ok for discussion as long as a direct link is not included."


Please post your question on the members only forum. Thanks for the membership and you are all set to log in to the members only forum. Craig

I apologize. Post has been resubmitted on the Members forum.