New member and a question about a new purchase

[chave78]

Hello All--

Just made an offer an A.H. Fox Grade C 12g serial number 1617. It has been restored, but looks like they did a nice job. Can anyone shed some light on this gun? I've requested a factory production card.

I was looking to use this for upland hunting. If it is in good condition, would that be advisable? Should I avoid any particular loads? Or should I just buy a new gun and not worry about the thing blowing up in my face.

Thanks!
Joe

[Researcher]

There are only about ten surviving production cards, mostly for factory salesman's sample cut-aways below 9650 and 1617 isn't one of them.

Does the gun have the Ansley H Fox banner style engraving on the sides of the receiver --



or the oval with birds --
?

While no one can tell you over the internet what loads will be safe in a given gun, I will say that as for loads, that depends on measurements of the barrel wall thickness and the gun being tight and on-face. If it is a "normal" 12-gauge Ansley H. Fox double of that era in the 7 to 8 pound range, it is likely suitable for most 12-gauge 2 3/4 inch or shorter lead loads of 1 1/4 ounce or less, for the number of shells one shoots in a year upland hunting. For higher volume shooting at clay targets or Doves, I'd stick to lighter loads like my 7/8 ounce reloads or Lite RST shells. I have a C-Grade serial number 1733 that may well have been an experiment in how light the A.H. Fox Gun Co. could make a 12-gauge as it weighs 6 pounds 5 ounces. I only shoot 7/8 ounce loads in it.





A hang-tag from the era of the gun in question shows it being targeted with a load of 3 drams of bulk smokeless powder and 1 1/8 ounce of #8 shot --



Four or five years later they were still targeting their 12-gauge guns with 1 1/8 ounce of #8 shot --



but a few years after that they were using 1 1/4 ounce loads of #7 1/2 shot --

[chave78]

Wow, Thank you very much!!! That is really informative! Out of curiosity, how does one go about insuring a gun like this? Is there an appraisal service?

Thanks,
Joe

[SmithShady]

Hi Joe,

I wouldnt worry about blowing up a gun like this if its in good condition to start. A new gun can't compare to the feeling of walking the pheasant fields or grouse woods carrying a Fox Double, all the while wondering where it spent it's life, and the stories that must accompany the hunts of its past. Researcher gives great advice on the loads, and I think you'll find that most folks here prefer to shoot lighter loads not only for the lower pressures, but to save the pounding it puts on 100 year old wood. If you post some good pictures of the gun, the members here could give you an idea of its value for insurance purposes. If you're looking for someone to insure the gun, I'd highly recommend contacting Eastern Insurance. They specialize in insurance for guns like this and have very inexpensive coverage for what you get. Hope you are successful in obtaining your first Fox!

Mike

[Mike of the Mountain]

Welcome Joe. Use that gun!! Shoot clays and hunt with it. Enjoy it!! These Fox guns are well built and fun to shoot. My graded guns and SWs get used a lot. As Researcher said, nobody can tell you on here what to shoot out of your guns. I'm comfortable with my guns as they all have proper specs for modern hulls. I love Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics (1170 fps), RIO (1210 fps) and RST shells in the 12g. Rem gun club and RST in 20g. RST in 16g. I also do a LOT of reloading from 3" @ .410 through 2 7/8" 10g. Have fun and we'll see you on the range!!

[chave78]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I plan on taking her hunting in a few weeks. I will have the gun inspected tomorrow and will get some pics to share. Can't wait to bring her out into the field!

Joe

[chave78]

Bad news, when the gun came, it had a savage barrel. Not a true gun. So unfortunately, I am still on the hunt for a Fox.

Joe

[vaturkey]

Bad news, when the gun came, it had a savage barrel. Not a true gun. So unfortunately, I am still on the hunt for a Fox.

Joe

Could have been rebarreled by Savage after they bought Fox. Do the serial numbers match everywhere (frame/barrels/foreend)?