Opinions on Savage Fox, or other cheap sxs

[Lovesbeer99]

I've seen a few Savage Foxes for sale, but are they any good. Are they built to last, reliable and generally a good gun?

Any other sxs that I might consider like a stevens? The Traditions by Fausti actually seam nice for the price.

Would you trust these in a self defense situation? (you might not have a choice but if you did between this and another gun would you pick up the Fox first?)

[oneounceload]

I have one in 20 that I've owned since new. Doesn't get the usage my O/U's do, but it works well enough

[RetiredLawman]

IMO, for the under $500 class of doubles, a used 311 or B model is the way to go. It is a better built gun than the new foreign economy doubles. The only problem is that they are not rated for steel. I still use my 311 after more than 40 years. The B and the 311 have the same innards, made by the same company.

[earlthegoat2]

The later model Fox Savage Bs/311s are functionally fine. Better than the modern imports.

They have the dynamics of a cinder block though.

The older 311s point a little better and are an all around better gun.

[huntsman]

Opinions on Savage Fox, or other cheap sxs

Nothing wrong with a cheap gun as long as it’s at a cheap price.

The lowest end of the US doubles market were the Hardware store guns, next up the line was the Knockabout.

Would you trust these in a self defense situation? (you might not have a choice but if you did between this and another gun would you pick up the Fox first?)

No for what you want an 870 express is a better $150. gun.

[jmr40]

I don't know about the Fox. I bought one new back in 1974. Saved money mowing yards all summer and it was the 1st gun I paid for myself. It was nothing but trouble for me. Mine was the one with a single trigger and ejectors. If you get one the ones with double triggers or the 311 with extractors they may be a lot more reliable since these 2 areas were where mine would never work correctly. The last straw for me came one day 10 years later when I closed the action and heard one of the firing pins drop on its own. Just glad it did it on an empty chamber. Paid a gunsmith to fix it and traded it for something else.

[Liberty1776]

RetiredLawman - +1--yep, the B is the way to go. gussied up a little, but still built like a Sherman tank and hell for stout. They don't break or wear out, they just get handed down to a strong, younger shooter....:D

[Virginian]

I would not hesitate to trust either a Stevens 311 (or the Sears version-I forget the Model #) or a Model B with the double triggers and extractors with my life. About as reliable as a double can get. Not the fanciest or the prettiest, but good solid dependable shotguns. A 311 got me started down the road to being a waterfowler. Never failed me once.