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Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 21

Which is the best Fox, Parker Brothers, or L.C Smith. I am thinking of buying a Fox AE 16ga with 26inch barrels. Thanks

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 238 Location: Lodi, CA

I am probably going to get flamed for this, but IMHO its the Fox hands down.

However, I would look for a Fox with 28 in. barrels. 26 in. barrels are just too short for me. If you can shoot 26 in barrels and like'em, you should save yourself a bunch of money since they usually sell for less.

Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 241

They are all good guns that have stood the test of time. Other then repros a new Fox. Parker, or LC have not been made for 60+ years and many are still in the field. You have to judge the individual gun.

That all being said …

I think almost all Parkers are greatly overpriced and many do not have shootable stock dimensions. I have never owned a Parker.

I have owned several LC’s and everyone had the crack behind the sideplate. Of course this is fixable. LC’s seem to carry the lowest price in comparison to the other two.

I have seen very few Foxes over the years and owned 2. Both were beaters but solid guns. Prices on Foxes are high but not Parker high. I liked my Foxes, both Sterlingworths.

Almost all these guns have short 2 9/16” chambers in 16 gauge, but not all. In all guns of this age that I own I only fire low pressure reloads.

I am sure someone has a different opinion but these are mine.
16crazy

They are all great, but it's probably easier to make an expensive mistake with a LC because of the wood issues. A 16g pre-1913 LC, however, is grace and elegance defined Cool

This topic was recently discussed on the LCSCA Forum
http://members.boardhost.com/lcsmith/msg/1197778202.html

Member Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 446 Location: Wisconsin

I think you should buy the gun rather than the name.
A Mint Fox AE is a better gun than a beat LC Smith 20 gauge SKEET grade.
I had a guy offer me the LC and I wouldn't touch it at any price but a Fox AE Mint I would!-Dick

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2007 Posts: 238 Location: Lodi, CA

I had a 12 ga. Fox with 26" barrels and a straight grip conversion. It was a decent "shooter" (I hate that term).

While I confess that I have never owned a Parker or an Elsie, I have opened up a Fox. They are very simple and solid guns. Parkers are also very solid but as already mentioned they are over priced due to collectors, some have damascus twist barrels that have been blued to pass as steel, and they are mechanically more complex than a Fox. Then there are Elsies as mentioned. Great guns and very innovative. However they are the most complex mechanically and as already mentioned they often crack at the head of the stock.

The real question here I guess is not what is the better gun. These three makers are all world class guns in my book. The real question is what exactly are "you" looking for in a gun? Is this a shooter? A project? A fair weather game gun that looks pretty?

Just to give you an idea of the simplicity of a fox, look at these shots of my old fox...

Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 21

thanks for all the replys, I think Fox is the one I am going to look for, I have owned all three at some point, but needed other's input. keep the replys coming. thanks

Buy one of each. All good guns I have 2 LC's and a Fox. I like all of them never had any problems. I shoot the Ideal grade with 26" barrels best but I like them all. I would like to own a Parker but I'm not paying what they want for a beat up Parker. I saw a beat up ugly LC feild grade at Bass Pro Shops for $2875 whats that guy smoking?

Guest

16shell I own all three, well actually I have four Foxes, two Parker's and a token L C. all 16s of course and quite frankly I don't know why I am hanging on to the Parker's and L C. When i go shooting I always grab one or two of the Foxes. They are simply great guns no matter what grade or configuration.

I have also had LeFevers which are no slouches either. I have had everything but Parkers. But my vote goes to the Foxes - - best bang for the buck as the lower grade models are outstanding examples of classic American gunmaking.

Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 42 Location: TX

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 42 Location: TX

A Fox isn't calledThe Finest Shotgun In The World for nothing! Laughing

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Yes, and Parker isn't called " Ole Reliable" for nothing. Wink

Member Joined: 02 Feb 2006 Posts: 602 Location: western pa

Another vote for "The Finest Gun in the World".