doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ansley h fox Philadelphia

What are your thoughts on the early grade A Philadelphia Ansley H Fox shotguns in 12 guage? Are these good?

http://www.foxcollectors.com/ah_fox/content/ae_fox.html

wazzabie,

I have a 12 gauge early A grade and have shot a couple thousand rounds of light reloads thru it in the past 5 or 6 years. Many high base hunting loads before that. I've had the gun a little more than 48 years. Serial number 7983 and it's about 110 years old. Still bank vault tight.

Take this for a testimony for those early A grades. Pretty hard to beat.

They are my favorite Foxes. I have a bag of them and another one is the basis for my Becker Fox project.

For not that much more money, an early A is a significant step up in fit and finish compared to a typical Sterlingworth.

The earlier the Fox the better the quality.
bill

If on face and no major metal pitting they are a great gun. You can shoot as is or use for an custom project like Eightbore did. Simple design, few parts, good metal fit from the factory, long track record and plenty of parts out there if repairs are needed. Plus you can find them for real good prices.

Another + for early "A" grades. I've been hunting with one for about 15 years; after it was refreshed by Buck Hamlin.

I think an early A is one of the best values in Fox collecting. Primarily shooters, the fit, finish and quality of wood are outstanding on most examples.

If you can find one in good shape, they usually are bargains.

I found one and liked how it felt so I took it home with me. It feels light and tracks well. The barrels I were told were reblued and the stock worked on by Keith Kearcher a double gunsmith out of Oregon. I have no way to prove this however without contacting the gunsmith. The receiver has no case coloring left and was left unfinished for the vintage look. The barrel has no pitting and is bright. I wonder if the barrel was polished. I've shot some light rst 2.5in loads in it. It locks up tight. Also the buffalo bill museum has a record of the firearm when it was first sold. Looks like the photo above but with a black plastic butt plate. It has Krupp barrels.

Sounds like a great gun to me! Enjoy it and welcome to the Fox addiction!!