My first Fox (16ga A-grade)

[Jimmy Goodtime]

I wanted a “proper” bird gun to own and hunt with over my dog, Scout. He is a good boy and I figured he deserved it! I decided I wanted to own a piece of Americana and fine American craftsmanship so I narrowed down my focus and a smallbore Fox came into view. I also liked the idea of saving one and it helped with my limited budget to be able to pay as I went. After looking for some time, I finally found one that suited me and bought it in February from a fellow member here. Here is what I started with:

[Jimmy Goodtime]

Last Thursday I finally received my gun all finished up. Hopefully it is tasteful as I tried to preserve its heritage while “purtying” It up a bit. Here she is now:

[JasonPeck]

Wonderful. Don't see many of those with 30" barrels. Congrats!

[Jeff S]

Looks beautiful and it should provide you with a lifetime of hunting.

[Stan Hillis]

Very nice. There is just something gentlemanly about a 16 ga. upland gun.

Hope you enjoy it.

SRH

[Researcher]

Nice save!! Here's to many enjoyable years afield.

[Stan Hillis]

I wish you all the best with your 16 A grade. Mattie, my 16 ga. AE with 30" barrels, broke on a dove shoot with me Sunday afternoon. The forend fell off as I sat on the stool, after having killed 5 doves towards the limit of 15, and after having taken a limit of 15 handily the previous day, Saturday, with 22 shells. I picked up the f/e out of the dust and there was a small piece of metal in the f/e "slot". I got it out and found that it was the "hook" portion of the barrel lug that had broken off. One of my favorite dove guns is now out of commission for the rest of the season, regrettably. She will be 100 years old next week, on Oct. 10. Sad story, but it will be sorted out and Mattie will be back in the field eventually, killing doves.

SRH

[DSizemore]

Jimmy ( LOL ), that turned out fantastic! Glad to see you shared it here. Charlie does fine work!! Enjoy.

[Foxnut]

Jimmy....She looks great! BTW... I have tried to use the excuse that (insert dog’s name) has been good and deserves to hunt with a good gun!!! My wife didn’t buy it...tell me your secret! Actually, I am in the N. Lower of MI grouse hunting right now and glad to say that my trusty A Grd 16 is with me and Rosey!!!

[Jimmy Goodtime]

In continuing with the rescue theme of American classics, I recently used a piece of the same blank for my shotgun stock to have a Randall Made Knife I acquired in rough shape rehandled.
Before:

After:

Now I have a matching set of wood for this pair of classics.

P.S.- Stan, any update on your Mattie? Hoping for a positive outcome from a fellow Red clay resident.

[Stan Hillis]

Jimmy, Dewey Vicknair agreed to take on the repair. He insisted it would be quite some time before he could get to it. I insisted just as strongly that I wanted him to do the job. So, it's been at his shop for a few weeks ........ waiting it's turn. I've got a "new" 32" Parker 16/20 to hold the fort down until Mattie gets home.

Thanks for asking. Best, SRH