Fox Collectors

It has come to my attention that the new Fox guns are not reproductions but a continuation of the original Fox guns! If you have read the last chapter in the A.H. Fox by Michael McIntosh, revised edition it tells the story. I must agree that the new Foxes are made to much higher quality than early models. Nothing to fuss about as the frames are petite and scaled just like the originals they follow. I will say that something is lost in artistic manner of the old time engraving and Its imposable to have that old time feel that a 80 to 100 years gives the old ones. I like a hi-grade gun like anyone els but its too bad CSMC does not make the Sterlingworth grade or something like that, it would make the guns more affordable for folks who want working guns made with modern dimensions. Lastly CSMC hit a home run with the 410 and 28 gauge mini frame guns, they are sweet little guns to say the least! SXS Ohio...(-:

Agree, they are great guns. I do wish they made them with a simple rebated frame without the scalloped back. Looks like a high grade Becker gun which is great if that's what one wanted, but if what wants is a true copy of a XE, DE, etc I think they should have stayed with that original design. It would no doubt cost less money in making the guns from a metal work and stocking perspective and time is money. I'm actually not a big fan of the 28 and 410 gauges as I think the sculpting they had to do to the breechballs to make them fit the smaller size barrels looks strange. Probably just me for sure as no doubt other like them. Be interesting to see how many they would sell if they would reconstitute the HE size frame/barrels. I'd think they would sell pretty good.

I will post a couple pictures of my CSMC mini frames, not the best quality. The first two pictures are of my DE-Spl 410Ga. Its 5lbs-10oz Picture 4,5 of its litter mate in 28ga....5lbs-2oz Enjoy....SXS Ohio

Last two of the 410.....Both guns engraved by Richard Roy. I did get the original build info on the 28ga. Its from 1997 Back then it billed out just under 18K, todays build would cost 30K. I have ordered a CSMC Oak & leather maker case for the 410 to match the case I have for the 28ga. I also ordered hang tags and other shipment items that come with the new Fox when delivered. I hope to have both sets complete in their cases with all paperwork...(-: SXS Ohio

Very very nice indeed. I see Quail and Woodcock falling from the skies.

wow they are beauties! Bobby

vaturkey wrote:Be interesting to see how many they would sell if they would reconstitute the HE size frame/barrels. I'd think they would sell pretty good.

Agreed - I'd order an HE style gun immediately.

I am looking for one of the CSMC Fox green cover catalogs. I think it was the first edition and it would be the vintage for the two DE-spl. guns I own from 1997. I did not get the one that was pictured with the 410 set posted above. If anyone has the Green catalog that you would part with I would like to have one for each of the two DE guns... Thanks Kenny SXS Ohio my e-mail: shooting-stars@comcast.net

You have a pair of beautiful Foxes!! Very, very nice.

I have a CSM Fox FE 410 and it's a wonderful gun. I shoot Quail with every year when I go to Georgia. I'd never leave it behind.

Tony made at least one "Early A" grade with straight grain English walnut that looked like a 1910 gun. It was priced very reasonably and I would have bought it had it been a 28 or .410. If he is still making Foxes, I'm sure he would make a Sterlingworth or an early A.

I have hunted with a CSMC XE 16 bore for quite a few years now. I went to the factory and met Tony. He toured us through the factory and let me go up into the stock attic (this was at the old location) and select a piece of wood. I asked him to make my Fox with 29 inch barrels and to, if possible, weigh 6 pounds or under. I got it in less than a year and it tipped the scales at 5 lbs. 15 oz. I asked for traditional XE engraving and got to pick the number of birds I wanted for each side panel. I also gave them a picture of my best grouse dog and it was engraved on the bottom. I also asked about having the frame be straight where it meets the wood. He said he would do it, but it would cost more. I opted for the sculpted frame. At my request Tony included the names of every person who worked on my gun (and I met most of them). Someone will get this gun when I pass on and will have a treasure trove of information.

I know some guys don't like the new Foxes, and I understand their feelings, but I believe that Ansley would have appreciated what Tony is doing. Hey, he sold out and the company was sold a couple more times. My XE downs birds better than any gun I own (I had the stock made to my specs). It's a pleasure to carry. All of my foxes get used and they perform well. A great design.

A CSMC 16 gauge Fox DE Special (DE Special has deeper cut engraving).
26" IC/M POW Exhibition Circassian Stock, single trigger.
No small animals, just nicely hand cut engraving with gold banner.
5#'s 9oz.
Went thru collecting Model 21's and Supers, always after something I wanted and could not find.
Met Tony in 1990 and watched and looked at every one of his guns I could get my hands on.
Finally purchased a small frame 28 Model 21 Grand American from him. 5# 13oz.
You can view the gun in the CSMC Small Frame Model 21 catalog.
A gun Winchester never made (Win 28's and 410's are on 20 frames with barrels bored from 20 blanks and weigh 7&1/2#!
Equal to or better than any Grand American Win ever made.
When a I saw some 16 CSMC Fox's coming in at less than 6#'s, I knew I had to have one.
I'm not a Fox collector and did not want to spend the rest of my life chasing Fox's.
Was at a Hunt Club and a guy walked over to me and asked "how old is your Fox".
I said "6 months", he turned and walked away without saying a single word.
Find the same attitude with my 2017 Porsche C4S, better car than any previous Porsche, faster, safer, corners better but
Many are stuck in the past believing that the older the better.
Now if CSMC only made a 12 gauge 3" Super Fox!-Richard