Two classic side-by-sides. Similar in some ways, different in others.
Which would you pick?
This 20g Webley & Scott Model 720 is a basic British boxlock built by one of the UK’s most famous makers. It was made to be rugged, reliable, and relatively affordable.
To that end, it was built on one of the most reliable actions ever conceived — the Anson & Deeley boxlock action. Harrington & Richardson imported them into the US in the ’70s, and back then they cost $1400 and came with a case and cleaning accessories.
Compared to the Fox, it has longer, 3″ chambers, shorter barrels, and a straight-grip stock that’s higher and longer. It’s a more modern gun and it’s cheaper, too ($3650 vs. $5900).
This 20g A.H. Fox A Grade is a great looking vintage SxS built by a legendary maker. It drips with the mystique that so many of us love about old American shotguns. It has great looking wood and it’s built on the reliable Fox boxlock action. It has ejectors, too.
Compared to the Webley, it has 2 1/2″ chambers, and a shorter, pistol-grip stock with a bit more drop, and longer barrels. It’s also a bit lighter. It’s also around 50 years older.
Webley & Scott – Model 720 – 26″ IC / IM – All Original – Nice Shape: 3″, IC / IM (.005 / .020), Ejectors, Double Triggers, English Stock, Checkered Butt, Splinter Forearm, LOP 14-3/4″, Drop 1-1/2″ to 2-3/8″, Neutral Cast, Weight 5 lbs. 14 oz. Nice Original Gun that has been used in the field. Barrels 98+%, Wood 95+%, Frame shows some loss of finish – probably 85%. Price: $3650
A. H. FOX, PHIL. A GRADE 20 GAUGE AUTO-EJECTORS: 28″ CHROMOX FLUID COMPRESSED STEEL BARRELS, MODIFIED AND FULL, EXCELLENT BLUE, MIRROR BRIGHT BORES, TWIN IVORY SIGHTS, NUMBER FOUR WEIGHT, AUTOMATIC EJECTORS. TOP LEVER TO THE FAR RIGHT, TIGHT ON FACE, 2 1/2″ CHAMBERS. GOOD CASE COLOR IN THE PROTECTED AREAS, STRONG TRIGGERGUARD BLUE, PERFECT ENGRAVED SCREWS, ATTRACTIVE ENGRAVING WITH BOLD SCROLLWORK WITH STIPPLED BACKGROUND. PISTOL GRIP STOCK, SPLINTER FOREARM, GORGEOUS HIGHLY FIGURED WOOD, ORIGINAL GRIP CAP AND BUTTPLATE. GREAT DIMENSIONS – 1 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ X 14″, 5 POUNDS 10 OUNCES. MADE IN 1925. 100% ORIGINAL CONDITION. Price: $5900
