A friend gave me (free) his problem today----a Savage Fox B, Westfield Mass. Needs refinished, but this is what I do well. But it also has function problems (purportedly) to wit: sometimes fires both barrels at once, sometimes will not fire shell in one barrel but will in the other, sometimes will not fire shell in either barrel. He is more a friend of a friend, and as such, I took the shotgun and didn't ask too many questions. Having never gotten anything free in my life, I am just happy to have it ,but want to make it operational. Don't know if there were reloads as one problem or not. I won't shoot it as is, and want to know if there is some of this I can fix myself (good with my hands, but short on knowledge--but I listen/read well, or should I simply take it to a gunsmith. I am looking for responses from smiths or folks experienced at repairing this kind of problem. Thanks in advance,----------ChuckD
It sounds like you will need to change at least one of the sears, and you have a firing pin/spring problem( spring doubles up and retards the firing pin strike) Try the shotgun 1 barrel at a time with new factory ammo, and see how far off-center the firing pin strikes the primer. Many times things are wore enough that the missfires are caused by off center firing pin strike also. If you get no malfunctions then you need to determine which sear needs to be changed to eliminate the doubling.
Duane: I appreciate your reply. Yes, that worn sear possibility sounds right to me. In dry firing the gun I did have one of the problems crop up. Rather suddenly, the front trigger won't release, but when you attempt to pull the trigger, the sliding tang safety lever attempts to rise up from the tang, and there is NO travel from this trigger. Could a spring have gotten loose, just below the safety? Would you have any idea where I might obtain parts? I am guessing this shotgun is from late 50's or early 60's. Serial# B47xxxx. Thanks, ChuckD
Gun parts corp and Jack First are the first two places I would look for parts, alos get a copy of the Gun List there are sometimes adds form a couple of guys who have alot of parts for these shotguns. It sounds like you need to tear the gun down and just go through the whole thing.
Duane: Again, I appreciate your time--thanks. Although I have worked on muzzleloader locks, I have never taken any modern shotgun apart. Not too different--right? I will know when I look which parts need replaced, just need to know what pitfalls, if any to pulling down the action to watch for. Or would you suggest I take it to a gunsmith ( the goods ones here are gone, and I don't know about the 2 remaining in this area). But I can't imagine that there is much complexity to this old double. Is this true? Thanks again, Chuck---
They are pretty straight forward but can give you some headaches until you understand how everything fits together, so study things real close before disassembly, and take it slow when removing the pins.
Duane, Okay, I'll find the parts as you directed and do it myslf. The stocks on this gun have nice wood with a bad finish and just a bit of light surface denting. This part I am good at and the gun will look right with a good deep oil finish. What is unusual is that it has 24" barrels, which is good here for brushy upland game bird hunting, which I thoroughly enjoy. It was also equipped with 2 beads, which align perfectly for me. If I get into local cowboy action shooting would use as is--good barrel length for me. Anyway, thanks for your time and advice---I appreciate it. ChuckD
