doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Custom SxS Project

James:

Thanks for the comments and I do have an excuse to visit Vegas. My brother-in-law lives there and gambling just doesn't thrill me anymore. I guess it is because I think of what type of gun I could buy with the money I lost.

Question; why a Fox Sterlingworth 16 gauge ejector, Utica gun from 1935? I am the dumbest guy in the room when it comes to Fox guns and would appreciate some enlightenment.

Jeff, not sure I have a really good answer as to why a Fox. I love the way the gun feels, carries and shoots. I've got couple of A grades in 12 gauge and would like a higher grade gun that I can still take to the field. I suppose I could buy an original C or D grade, but I'd pay a lot for a 16 and because it would be original, I'd feel some level of responsibility about maintaining it in a historically accurate way, that possibly is in conflict with the way I want to use it for hunting. If I upgrade a good condition, but not collector quality, Sterlingworth, I have no qualms at all. Hope that answers your question.

Jeff, not sure I have a really good answer as to why a Fox. I love the way the gun feels, carries and shoots. I've got couple of A grades in 12 gauge and would like a higher grade gun that I can still take to the field. I suppose I could buy an original C or D grade, but I'd pay a lot for a 16 and because it would be original, I'd feel some level of responsibility about maintaining it in a historically accurate way, that possibly is in conflict with the way I want to use it for hunting. If I upgrade a good condition, but not collector quality, Sterlingworth, I have no qualms at all. Hope that answers your question.

James - Did you specify a 1935 Utica Fox, because because of originality or grade? I mean, is a Utica better for some reason than a Philidelphia Fox? Sorry for the stupid questions, but I don't know much about the Fox history.

Thanks;

If you are serious about nice engraving and want a broad canvas for the artist, think about using an L.C. Smith 16 gauge Field on the Featherweight frame. They seem to be more readily available in 16ga/30" than are the Fox and Parker guns. The Smith should give you a lower cost of entry, but a higher engraving and stocking bill. When you are done, you will be the only kid on your block with a custom Smith 16.

Here is one that I did about a year ago. It is a Sterlingworth.

http://doublegunshop.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=122644&page=0&fpart=1
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Jeff,

The talent and knowledge here runs deep. Another stock maker is Doug Man. Here is a stock he was working on that uses turkish walnut:



You can reach Ken Hurst at 910-221-5288

Pete

If you're looking for some engraving ideas done to Foxes, this link will provide you a potpourri (many a bit over-the-top!) of what CSMC has done:

http://connecticutshotgun.com/csmc/PhotoGallery/fox/album/.html

Canvasback, if the rebate compliments the rest of the design, go for it. For every custom design, it may not be necessary.

bamboozler - thanks for the link & wow. I'm probably the dumbest individual on this board when it comes to identifying specific engraving techniques and styles. At this point, I know what I like when I see it. For example, of all the engraving jobs shown on CSMC site, this comes the closest to what I want.



That being said, it is still slightly more ornate that I want. I also need to start learning about particular engravers and their individual styles/specialities. I'm headed to the SCI Convention in January and will spend some quality time at the FEGA & ACGG Exhibition being held down the street. To me, this is part of the fun of planning a custom project.