Page 1 of 1

My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 2:55 pm
by Jimmy Goodtime
I wanted a “proper” bird gun to own and hunt with over my dog, Scout. He is a good boy and I figured he deserved it! I decided I wanted to own a piece of Americana and fine American craftsmanship so I narrowed down my focus and a smallbore Fox came into view. I also liked the idea of saving one and it helped with my limited budget to be able to pay as I went. After looking for some time, I finally found one that suited me and bought it in February from a fellow member here. Here is what I started with:

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 3:00 pm
by Jimmy Goodtime
Last Thursday I finally received my gun all finished up. Hopefully it is tasteful as I tried to preserve its heritage while “purtying” It up a bit. Here she is now:

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 3:12 pm
by JasonPeck
Wonderful. Don't see many of those with 30" barrels. Congrats!

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 6:53 pm
by Jeff S
Looks beautiful and it should provide you with a lifetime of hunting.

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Sep 19, 2019 8:46 pm
by Stan Hillis
Very nice. There is just something gentlemanly about a 16 ga. upland gun.

Hope you enjoy it.

SRH

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 12:22 pm
by Researcher
Nice save!! Here's to many enjoyable years afield.

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 8:51 pm
by Stan Hillis
I wish you all the best with your 16 A grade. Mattie, my 16 ga. AE with 30" barrels, broke on a dove shoot with me Sunday afternoon. The forend fell off as I sat on the stool, after having killed 5 doves towards the limit of 15, and after having taken a limit of 15 handily the previous day, Saturday, with 22 shells. I picked up the f/e out of the dust and there was a small piece of metal in the f/e "slot". I got it out and found that it was the "hook" portion of the barrel lug that had broken off. One of my favorite dove guns is now out of commission for the rest of the season, regrettably. She will be 100 years old next week, on Oct. 10. Sad story, but it will be sorted out and Mattie will be back in the field eventually, killing doves.

SRH

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 9:34 pm
by DSizemore
Jimmy ( LOL ), that turned out fantastic! Glad to see you shared it here. Charlie does fine work!! Enjoy.

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2019 10:36 pm
by Foxnut
Jimmy....She looks great! BTW... I have tried to use the excuse that (insert dog’s name) has been good and deserves to hunt with a good gun!!! My wife didn’t buy it...tell me your secret! Actually, I am in the N. Lower of MI grouse hunting right now and glad to say that my trusty A Grd 16 is with me and Rosey!!!

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 9:51 pm
by Jimmy Goodtime
In continuing with the rescue theme of American classics, I recently used a piece of the same blank for my shotgun stock to have a Randall Made Knife I acquired in rough shape rehandled.
Before:
6A672502-519A-4362-95F2-7548F1762879.jpeg
81581F65-9B4E-4649-A00B-F513FB4D50F1.jpeg
After:
FFEFED9E-1CEC-4DF7-A8D9-B061C7EABC78.jpeg
Now I have a matching set of wood for this pair of classics.

P.S.- Stan, any update on your Mattie? Hoping for a positive outcome from a fellow Red clay resident.

Re: My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 10:35 pm
by Stan Hillis
Jimmy, Dewey Vicknair agreed to take on the repair. He insisted it would be quite some time before he could get to it. I insisted just as strongly that I wanted him to do the job. So, it's been at his shop for a few weeks ........ waiting it's turn. I've got a "new" 32" Parker 16/20 to hold the fort down until Mattie gets home.

Thanks for asking. Best, SRH