I'll start out by saying that I have been a Parker 20 ga. guy for 40+ years and love them dearly. That was until I bought my first Fox 20 ga., a Sterlingworth with 30" tubes. It ain't fancy but I shoot it as well if not better than any Parker 20 ga. I own and I have them from 26"-32", damascus and fluid steel.
So, this got me to thinking after shooting smallbore stuff almost exclusively at the Southern this year and this past weekend.
Fox 20 ga. guns are truly built on a scaled down frame. I compared the Fox 20/30" with a Parker VHE 28/30", OO frame. Both with pistol grips, splinter forends the only difference being ejectors on the Parker.
Here are the stats:
Parker
6.25 lb.
width of frame at standing breech 1.60"
length of frame 3.0"
weight of barrels/forend 3.25 lb., stock/receiver 3 lb.
Fox
6.0 lb.
width of frame at standing breech 1.60"
length of frame 2.27"
weight of barrels/forend 3.25 lb, stock/receiver 2.75 lb.
This just goes to show how well designed the Fox smallbore frames are to achieve their wonderful handling and balance. Anyone coming to Hausmann's is welcome to shoot the Fox at the Bo Whoop to see for yourself. Get rid of my Parkers, not quite yet. But certainly on the hunt for more Fox 20's.
The bottom line is the Fox, IMHO and that of a renowned gunsmith, is a better designed gun but the Parker is still dear to my heart.
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Wag more- Bark less.
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