I would suggest that as long as its not for extended target use, the difference doesnt make a hill of beans.
Field guns of any stripe just dont get that much use. For example, Texas has a 15 bird bag limit on quail. Lets say you require 2 shots/bird, and hunt 2 days a week. The season is October 28-Feb 25. You shoot 960 shots a year.
1) All the manufacturers, on either side of the Pond, are basically defunct, with a few minor minor exceptions, so repair is not a matter of factory warranty card service, anyway. A Fox is about as easily fixed as a Cashmore or a Midland Gun Company offering.
2) With regards to proof, most shooters/potential buyers would have no idea that you sent the gun to Mike Orlen and had the chokes opened, and determining whether or not the gun was still in proof takes professional judgement , outside of the usual "duffer "level of inquiry. Likely to not be a very nig factor. Plus, ultimately, it is what it is, and "buy the gun not the name". The gun is either serviceable for the buyers need, or he needs to look elsewhere.
3) As for "light whippy" - last night I was handling an early 1930's Midland Gun Co. offering of about 7-1/4 pounds. 12g, 2-3/4" chambers, post 1954 proofmarks. It was certainly a nice gun for light clays, maybe a little light for extended waterfowling, and I believe it has mostly been used recently as a "thieving crow assassinator". Nevertheless, there are lots of guns out there of such a weight and heavier, if thats what you want.
Understand I shoot and accumulate Ithacas and am a partisan of American guns. I like the Ithaca NID because it is big and strong and frankly doesnt get out of whack very much - but for the conditions described, for the average shooter who doesnt fire 300-400 rounds of targets a week, it likely is a meaningless distinction between quality American guns and English ( or Continental) offerings of similar weights and chamberings.
Shoot what makes you happy.
My Thoughts.
Regards
GKT
