Fox, SN19598, Year 1911, 12GA, 7lbs. 2oz., LOP 14"
I knew this Fox was special when I first saw it. The engraving, especially the screws and dog scene vignette on the bottom of the action…it was more detailed and just surpassed the other C Grade guns I have owned. Reviewing the high-definition photos revealed why there was a superior air to the whole gun. THIS FOX ENGRAVING IS SIGNED “W.H.G.” AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOG SCENE VIGNETTE, INDICATING NONE OTHER THAN FAMED WILLIAM H. GOUGH ENGRAVED THIS GUN! This makes sense, as Gough took over the engraving department in early 1911 (or late 1910), the year this gun was built. I have been chasing Fox guns for over 30 years and this is the first C Grade Fox I have seen with engraving signed by the engraver, let alone by WHG. There are many Fox C Grades offered for sale so how do you know which one to buy? Most sellers do not provide information on which to base a decision. A shotgunner should want to know stock dimensions, bore diameter, choke constrictions, minimum wall thicknesses, weight, balance point, trigger pulls, and see great photos. Don’t you want to know what you are buying? Making wise decisions requires adequate information. VFI PROVIDES THE BEST PHOTOS AND INFORMATION YOU WILL FIND ON THE INTERNET. This fine Philly Fox C Grade, sn19598 built in 1911, is an exceptional Fox. THE WOOD ON THIS GUN IS FACTORY ORIGINAL HAS INCREDIBLE FIGURE, GREAT DIMENSIONS, AND A 99% HAND-RUBBED OIL FINISH. This makes sense for a Gough engraved gun…something special. The 30” #3 weight Krupp Steel barrels have 100% blue, excellent bores, F/F chokes (we can make them anything you want), tight ribs, and barrels fit tight like a new gun to the hinge pin and breech face with the top lever to the right of center. The 2 ¾” chambers and 1 ½” tapered forcing cones were done here in our shop, a $440 service that allows the use of readily available modern ammo, produces better patterns and softer felt recoil. THIS IS A VFI CERTIFIED GUN, WITH A 90-DAY MECHANICAL WARRANTY, HAVING BEEN STRIPPED TO THE SMALLEST PART, ULTRASONIC CLEANED, ALL PARTS SCRUBBED CLEAN, INSPECTED FOR FUNCTION AND INTEGRITY, LUBRICATED AND REASSEMBLED, A $325 SERVICE IN OUR SHOP. Why would you buy a 100+ year-old gun without knowing it has been serviced properly and guaranteed to be “as represented”? Many of these vintage guns have been “rigged” to seem tight until a few boxes of shells go through them, then they are loose again. Finding a good gunsmith to fix unexpected issues is nearly impossible. Don’t make the mistake of shopping PRICE rather than good value. We all should have at least one great 12ga. Fox in our quiver, and this one is as special as it gets! Weighing just 7lbs. 2oz., it is light enough to carry all day afield. Fox C Grade will continue to gain value as you enjoy their use. IF YOU PREFER A BEAVERTAIL FOREND SEE PHOTOS FOR A BEAVERTAIL CUSTOM MADE FOR THIS GUN (a $1500 value). Only one or the other comes with the gun. The second forend can be purchased for $500. See the tables below for specifications. Thanks for looking!
Barrels: 30"
Chokes: .033/.034 F/F
Bores: excellent+
Bore Diameter: .728/.728
Wall Thickness: .027/.026
% Blue: 100%
Chambers: 2 3/4" cones
Ribs: tight
Sights: Front silver
Action: tight right of center
Extractors
Receiver: 30% factory cc
Screws: perfect, nicely engraved
Engraving: clear, sharp, early C; GOUGH SIGNED
Trigger: double crisp
Trigger Guard: 60% factory blue
Stock: 1/2 round/splinter/aftermarket beavertail
LOP: 14"
LOP To End Of Wood: 13 3/4"
DAH: 2 3/4"
DAC: 1 9/16"
Cast: H 1/4" off T 1/8" off
Checkering: both forends superb
Butt: fox plate
INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a “VFI Certified” gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call or email us for more details or questions. Thanks!
