doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Fox Upgrade, opinions wanted

You'll never make any apologies to yourself, nor to anyone else for that matter; if you go with an ejector gun.

Extractors. Coolness is over-rated. Plus, if you are in a hurry to reload, you may as well shoot an A5.

Best,
Ted

I like ejector guns, but it sounds like you prefer extractors. You're not going to ask what stock dimensions I prefer, right? Go with what makes you happy, you ain't sellin it to me anyway.

Brian,

I think you are on the right track.

I would go with extractors, if it were me. As you point out, extractor guns are easier to close. With my British A & D guns, I always feel like I am closing my ejector guns harder than I like to, as I push them closed to compress the ejector springs. Seems like it would be just a bit easier on the jointing of the gun with extractors, long term.

And you may save a couple of ounces by eliminating the ejector springs and kickers, if weight is a concern.

Another issue that no one has mentioned is that an extractor gun is quieter to reload. Not that it matters bird hunting, but why put up with the extra effort closing the gun, catching the empties, and the noise of ejectors, if you don't need them?

I simply cannot see any need for ejectors in the grouse/woodcock coverts.

I have a couple ejector guns because I felt I should have some in my collection. Most of my sxs are extractor guns and a couple have been upgraded a bit. They only times I "need" an ejector gun are 1) dove shooting a hot water hold at night; 2) shooting a flurry event at a sxs shoot. Then again, I can reload an extractor gun when dove shooting pretty darn fast - I do have to pick up my empties off the ground. The ultimate gun for a sxs flurry, if you want to worry about it, is a pair of Browning BSSs. I have a friend with several beautiful upgraded Foxs and Parkers. They are almost all extractor guns. He builds his guns for himself. Fewer parts to break and if you have ever seen how thin the wood is on a Fox ejector for end you would probably pee yourself. Go with extractors. It's your gun and will be just what you want. If extractors are good enough for Teddy they are good enough for me.
Regards,
Jeff

I'm on the extractor side--fewer parts to break and time. Police yer brass!

I've done two Foxes, one ejectors, one extractors. I like the ejector gun but I couldn't find one when I started the extractor project. You'll be glad you went with ejectors if you do.

Blonde or brunette, ejector or extractor. Personal choice to most. Shooting needs do not dictate which one is best for most of us. I do agree the wood is very thin over the ejector works. But you are going to spend big bucks and a lot of time on any upgrade project so if you want all the bells and whistles go for it. Please yourself and take all other opinions with a grain of salt.

Someone above suggested starting from other than a Fox; here is what we did with a D M Lefever Sons & Co crossbolt 12 which had been restocked poorly and was rusty and with no remaining original finish when I got it. It is an ejector gun, as are all but the lowest grade cross bolts, so I can't add anything to that portion of the discussion. Styling cues were taken from both high grade cross bolt guns and from the earlier Lefever Arms Co guns.

I used a VH Parker 20 for a canvas for a custom gun I dedicated to my dog Gunner. I have never missed not haveing the ejectors.