We've seen more than one Fox here that has had a bit of trouble with cracking of the frame. I'd be tempted to just let it be, in hopes of avoiding that.
I've recased a gun, and while it was spectacular, it didn't shoot any better afterwards. Consider spending the money for some ammunition, some practice, a shooting lesson, or stock adjustments, to make it fit better.
Might help more in the long run.
Ted,
You are correct, we have seen them. Here is one. Note, it has no case color left.
Here is another one. Again, no case coler left.
When ever it was possible, I contacted the owner / seller and inquired as to the cause. In each case the response included mention of "duck loads".
I have never seen a Fox that was recase hardened crack. Which does not mean it can't happen. I purchased an early 12ga Philadelphia Arms Fox. It was in rough shape when I purchased it. I had a gunsmith, that I trust, give it a good going over. He completely stripped the receiver. He found an internal hairline crack, which I had him weld. This same gun also had the barrels painted black. So I am guessing "duck loads". The Krupp barrels held.
I know you can shoot duck with a Fox. So I am not sure what was being force fed to these guns.
I look at those pictures and it simply reconfirms for me that in older sxs guns, you have to adjust the ammunition for the pressures they were built to handle.
Classic Guns is not far from me. I have spent several Saturday's there chatting with John and his crew. The danger during any rehardening is warpage. No one can
guarantee that some warping will not occur. However, by using some one who has a known reputation, you certainly minimize the risk. They should be asking a lot of questions about your gun and it's history.
If some one has a picture of a gun that been recase color hardened and then cracked when using the proper loads, please post a picture.
Here is picture of John with a receiever that he had just finished. The other is John with Lucky.
Pete
