2 3/4 inch chambers

[whisperbow]

I see different Foxes on the net with 2 1/2 or 2 5/8 chambers. Was there a serial # break for each model going to 2 3/4? My old A.H. Fox has a 14xxx ser. # and I have been shooting 2 3/4 " shells. I don't see any markings concerning chamber size.

[birdawg]

A 12 gauge of that age will most likely be 2 5/8" chambers. Searching this forum for chamber length will give more detailed info.

[fox-admin]

Most Philadelphia Fox guns in 12ga left the factory with 2 5/8" chambers. Chambers could be ordered up to 3" on special order. The only way to tell for sure is a factory letter. Savage era guns are typically 2 3/4", plus any Fox gun returned for repair was re-chambered from 2 5/8" to 2 3/4". Some savage era guns and repairs are marked 2 3/4" chambers on the top of the left barrel.
A good series was published in Double Gun Journal recently about shooting 2 3/4" shells in short chambers. Most people feel comfortable shooting low pressure 2 3/4" shells in good condition Fox guns with 2 5/8" chambers. I would get a copy of the DGJ and read it your self.

[whisperbow]

Thanks for the replies and I did a search on previous postings and read them all. After that it seems the only answer is to talk to a good gunsmith. Based on the replies, I am scared because the only use this gun will get (less than a box of shells a year) would be to hunt pheasants and I use high-brass 12's like everone else. I guess I need to look up the specs on different ammo to see what my limits are??

[1straightshot]

and I use high-brass 12's like everone else.

You are overgunning yourself.You would be surprised at what a lighter load will do at a reduced velocity.

[goodsteel53]

Fox-Admin.... which DGJ has the article regarding 2 3/4 shells in 2 5/8 chambers? I had my smith measure, and he indicated 2 3/4, but not with the confidence I had hoped for!