The original custom Fox.
When I started this project (1989) there was no one to ask, no precedent (other than Burt Becker) and no right or wrong, I did exactly what would please me. At that time all my welding was gas welding and the though of welding on a shotgun barrel was absolutely out of the question (I still don't think it a particularly good idea) There were no qualms about filing off any factory markings, the Fox signature arrowhead-frame shaping was removed, in fact I wanted it to look English enough to confuse folks, and Eric Gold engraved Hughes/Fox at my request. (The engraving cost about five times more than the price of the project gun, but who can afford Eric's engraving today?!)
If you look closely: my rust blue is a bit grainier than I would do today, there is one hint of a scratch not removed from filing off the roll marks on the top of the right barrel, and you can probably see where they were in the elongated highlight. The case colors have faded and disappeared after the laquer over them wore away as has the trigger guard bluing. She has held up well (with rejointing by Dennis Potter) and I learned more about how guns, and there finishes hold up by actual usage. All in all, it's very pleasing to have owned and shot a gun for 20 years!
A couple decades later, the gun is well worn from shooting and bird hunting in five western states. I've shot thousands of rounds AT clay targets, and it is pictured here with Daryl's Dickson and custom M-21 a couple of weeks ago in out shooting Montana March sunshine. Starting over toay, I'd do a few hings different, but not much, except shoot it more!
Best,
Steve
