AHFCA at the Southern SxS

[Jeff S]

Ahhh yes! Kudos to Mike. He shot many rounds and did well, and always with a big smile on his face.

I’ve been to Ernie Hausmann’s Hidden Hollow many times, but this my first “Southern”. First of all, I was pleasantly surprised with the number of familiar faces. The event was very well attended.

The vender tents were jam packed with vintage firearms, including a wide assortment of Foxes. I had hoped to find a small bore 30 incher, but I never found one. However, a Sterly 20 bore with 28” barrels followed me home. It needs a little TLC, but it will be good shooter. I considered another dandy, but encountered a stubborn seller.

While I was there I shot 3 rounds of 5 stand and 3 rounds of clays (2 at Deep River and 1 at Drakes landing). I sincerely believe that Drakes Landing is the most beautiful course I’ve been on. The course at Deep River was also nice and staffed with a great team of trappers. However, the course was a bit crowded, with lines at all of stations. Fortunately, everyone seemed patient and made the best of the delays by visiting with their comrades.

If anyone is considering attending future events, by all means, do it! The shooting is great, there are guns everywhere, and the camaraderie is over the top. In fact, I brought my wife along and she even enjoyed it.

[44whiskey]

good on you jeff for 20 ga find.thanks for report, sounds like a great time.hope to see some pics of 20 SW when you have time,fred

[Jim Cloninger]

Hi Jeff, great that you brought your wife. Does she shoot? How about a picture?
Jim

[eightbore]

This year, my shooting was limited to the eight gauge competition. That was definitely a hoot. However, the display of guns for sale was over the top, the best ever. Thanks, Kevin and Tom and others who made the Fox Collectors Association a presence. I think next year I will "buy a gun". I have a few picked out in case they reappear at Ernie's or at the Southern in 2023. Yes, The Lovely Linda was with me, but no bird dogs in tow for a change.

[Stan Hoover]

It was good to see you there Bill, I should have taken more time to talk, but there’s always too many things to do.

Thank you Kevin and Tom for displaying some beautiful Fox guns and manning the booth.

I had the pleasure shooting with Mr Stegmier, always fun! I also met Dblgunnut and his brother and son in law I believe, very good people.

I’m not sure how it could’ve been a better Southern, weather was awesome, many many beautiful guns, and we were able to meet old friends and made some new ones.

Stan Hoover

[Jeff S]

While we all know that the Fox booth is a great place to meet people and study classic guns, there are other benefits. The friendly staff is also willing to inspect / measure barrels. When considering the purchase of a 100 year old firearm, a 2nd set of eyes is always a good thing. Thanks guys. Kevin, what kind of cigars do you smoke.

[44whiskey]

thanks tom and kevin for representing fox group.fine looking display,fred

[Sporrns]

Here are some more photos of the AHFCA booth and activities surrounding the event. This year was without a doubt the best Southern SxS yet. Similarly, there were more Fox guns for sale than I have seen at any event since the last time I went to the Las Vegas show. (A good barometer of this is that Tony Galazan bought 14 Foxes the first morning (Thursday) the event opened. His "finds" ranged from a NIB 20 ga. Utica Sterlingworth up through a 20 ga. CE to a lovely XE 20 gauge. Although I didn't have time to keep an accurate number of Fox guns on the tables of the various dealers in the show, I would estimate that there were at least 30-40 indivdual guns of all grades, gauges and configurations.

Surprisingly, some turned up on the tables of dealers not known in the past as particularly good Fox sources (e.g., Safari Outfitters displayed a half dozen or so very nice graded guns). A number of interesting guns appeared at the booth for show and tell; favorites among these were a very early Sterlinworth "Pin Gun" in high condition with ejectors, and an early Philadelphia Arms C Grade.

I would like to give a special shout out to AHFCA members Tom Tutwiler, who was of invaluable assistance in helping to man the booth, conducting sales of AHFCA hats, pins, decals and banners, and answering the endless questions of people wanting to learn more about Fox guns; likewise to Allen Petersen, who helped out "on que" to spell both Tom and I as we broke away periodically to oogle guns or recyle our morning coffee. Many thanks to them both for their assistance! Kevin

alsoattachment=3]San2022BoothFox.jpg[/attachment]

Display guns

Members Tom Tutwiler (c.) and Allen Petersen (r.) help examine a gun

Top to bottom: HE 12 32" 3"; X/DE 12 ga. 30"; CE 16 ga. 26" ST; BE 20 ga. 28"; A 32" 20 ga.SG; SKUGG 16 ga. 26"; Savage Fox Utica Factory Research Library 12 ga. Cutaway gun

[Silvers]

Great pics of many guns and the booth and tent scenes. Thanks to all who staffed the booth and took the pics. Now, I know I sound like a broken record but what about our members shooting Fox guns at the Southern venue? Any pics of Fox guns in action at Deep River, the sponsoring club? frank

[Jim Cloninger]

Thanks for the pictures, Kevin

[Rbishop]

Kevin thanks for the pictures and your efforts at the Southern, and thanks to Tom as well. And thank you for a nice 32" case I picked up from you. That 32" 20 gauge Fox of yours would look nice with the case!

[vaturkey]

One pic to add. This felled showed up a the booth and he and I tried on a few hats. Alas his was too loose and mine too tight.

[44whiskey]

thank you so much for posting and taking the time to i d guns.much appreciated

[Jeff S]

Kevin (and Tom), the booth looked great. Thanks for representing the 500 members of AHFC.

[eightbore]

Thanks, Kevin and Tom.