Fox Collectors

First I'd like to thank you for this great site. Loads of info! I'm considering a 1920 A Grade 12/30 f/f , and the first thing that I have a question about is chamber lentgh- it is marked 2 3/4 on the left barrel in what I think is Savage lettering. does this generally detract from the value? 2nd question, did Fox offer a silver oval in thier stocks? It is very well done and unmarked. I suspect it is covering a sling swivel hole since there is a nicely plugged hole in the bottom rib as well .
thanks,
SS

Welcome, when guns were returned to the factory for repair Savage stamped the barrel like you described and reamed the chambers to 2 3/4". You are probably correct that the name plate inletted into stock is covering swivel hole in stock. Bobby

Thanks bbman3. Here's the gun in question--http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.a ... =105897728
the numbers on the forend match but they look like a different style. Possibly the repair by Savage?
Thanks for any advice,
SS

SS, some random thoughts. She looks like a decent 2nd gen A grade but with likely reblued barrels, look at the Chromox steel stamp and how some letters are wallowed out. The rebluing wouldn't bother me for a hunting gun, but the weak barrel stamp would. You already know the stock oval may cover a sling swivel hole. I didn't read anything about the plugged hole in the bottom rib as you mentioned. Did I miss it in the GB writeup? I assume you know it's an extractor, not ejector gun. Screw slots are good. I personally like 30 and 32" barrels so that would be a plus for me. Chokes are not mentioned in the writeup. How do you know they are F & F as you posted? I would ask for the decimal measurements of the chokes and the bores if possible to ensure the chokes haven't been opened excessively. With the 2-3/4" chamber stamp the gun has undoubtedly been to Savage for something. One thing to question is the inspection period; I didn't read anything about it, and the writeup says you have to ask and resolve all questions before bidding.

All told I guess it depends what you're looking for. If you like the gun, additional questions check out and you're happy with the price paid, that's all that matters. Silvers

I'm not sure the barrel stamping was distorted during striking. What do others think? Yes, the forend wood is Savage, but overall a nice gun, regardless of the plugged holes in the rib that Frank described. If the chokes and bores are unaltered, I would own that gun at the right price.

Silvers- I live about 30 miles from the shop and first checked out the Fox in late May. A drop in choke gauge says F/F. Since its not a 100% specimen, I'd have the chokes opened(not too much) The filled rib hole does exist but isn't pictured. I don't think the owner ommited this intentionally as he is a rare and genuine good guy.
I really like it and it would fill my needs for a shootable Fox. I'll leave the collecting to the pros!
Thanks,
SS