First blood for an old Fox

[birdawg]

I recently came across this 16 gauge 28" A grade. After feeling the balance and weight of the gun I thought is would make a good quail gun. Of course it had the original tight chokes so I sent it off to Mike Orlen to have the chokes opened. When talking to Mike we came up with a boring of the old WS 1 & 2 since at times my dogs actually hold the birds until I can drag myself to where they have found their quarry. I know it is near blasphemy to put a winchester design in a Fox but that combination works nicely in my MDL 21 16ga.

Since I had the barrels sent from the seller to Mike I didn't get them back together for use until yesterdays rain. When the clouds began to break up about 3 this afternoon I decided to see if I had done the right thing by this ol Fox so I took her out for a walk to find a nearby covey.

Well after a brisk half hour of chasing my stir crazy pointing dogs the Garmin Astro signaled my not very broke GSP was pointing 180 yards away.

I headed the the direction of the gps finally glimpsed the nervous shorthair pointing side by side with my setter. I was so impressed I almost buried the barrels in the mud while scrambling up the slope to walk up the covey.
When I walked into where the dogs were locked up I was surprised when on one bird took off through the oaks. I expected the normal 8 to 10 birds followed by a couple of late risers. But it wasn't to be, only a single came up.
Almost as an after thought I sent a 1 oz load of 7 1/2's in its direction. To my surprise the bird tumbled to the ground. Poor thing must have ran into a stray pellet or two but Suzy the Setter proudly brought him to hand.

It wasn't much of a start for me an my new/old Fox but it was a beginning.
I really didn't mind only getting 1 bird since it has been a long time since I have been a bag limit guy.
I still need to have the stock bent to reduce the 3" drop and maybe a spacer in the between the wood and the butt pad. I like the way the gun carries comes up and swings so I think I have a keeper and what I hope will be my go to Quail gun
Of course I am still looking for a 20 gauge graded gun to have back up.

[vaturkey]

Background is pretty sweet also. Looks like you had a nice day in the field indeed.

[Knothole]

X

[mc15426378]

Very, very nice Jess. Has the 16 been re-done or all original? When you can let us know the gun's specs (barrel length, weight, etc).


Mike

[birdawg]

Thanks for the replies. There is some nice, scenic country where these Mearns quail reside. It is one of the reasons I spent time here.

The shot was done right along the road. I did have a visit by a friendly boarder patrol (ER, I mean Homeland Security) agent while I was setting the gun and bird up.

The gun: The metal has not been redone but I suspect their was some flaking varnish on the original finish and steel wool and oil was applied. I used a bit of Murphy's on the butt stock to find the grain while I was waiting the extra day for the barrels.

I have been meaning to ask Mike if he used the original boring on the WS 1. I will let you know soon.

The gun is lighter to the feel than my 28" 16 gauge CE showing on the C grade photos section and it is exactly 6 lbs. When I get to a good scales I will know for sure.

Jess

[mike campbell]

Now that is a beautiful picture. All those sepia tones and yet it's the true colors. Amazing.

[Researcher]

I was thinking that pic didn't look like the Idaho I see from my deck here in Washington!!!!

[setterspell]

What a beautiful photo! This shot should be on a calendar-Ms. January

[rudyc]

GREAT PICTURE!!!

rudyc