Description
Picture this: you’re moving through dense Missouri timber, the morning dew still heavy. A flush comes sudden and low—two grouse explode from the cover. Your mount is instinctive, the twin barrels a single, fluid extension of your will. The first shot connects; the second is already there for the follow-up. That’s the rhythm of a true side-by-side. It’s not a tool for volume; it’s an instrument for precision, for moments where tradition and instinct meet.
The Stevens Fox A Grade 12 Ga 26 Inch Barrel Side-by-Side is a modern American-made side-by-side shotgun built on a proven boxlock action. It’s designed for the upland hunter and clay shooter who demands a fast-handling, reliable, and classically-styled double gun without European price tags. With a suggested retail price of $3707.16, it occupies a unique space between production workhorses and bespoke heirlooms.
Key Features
Let’s talk handling. The 26-inch barrel configuration is the sweet spot for a side-by-side. It provides a quick, lively swing in tight quarters—think Ozark creek bottoms or a dense pheasant covert. The balance point sits just ahead of the hinge, making the gun feel alive in your hands, not like a static weight you’re pushing through the air. This isn’t a gun for pass-shooting geese; it’s for snap-shooting woodcock in alder thickets.
The heart of any double is its action. The Fox A Grade uses a robust, hammerless boxlock design. It’s simple, strong, and fits out of the box with minimal fuss. The triggers are crisp, and the selective automatic ejectors are a serious upgrade—they positively throw spent hulls clear, a critical feature when you need to reload fast for a second opportunity. The chambers are 3-inch, giving you versatile ammunition options from light 2¾-inch target loads to heavier hunting rounds.
Finish and fit reflect its purpose. The satin-finished walnut stock has a straight-grip English style that promotes a heads-up, aggressive mounting posture. The checkering is clean and provides a solid grip, even with wet or gloved hands. The 14.5-inch length of pull is a common standard, making it compatible with a wide range of shooters and aftermarket pads if needed. Here’s the thing—while it’s a production gun, the attention to detail in the wood-to-metal fit and deep, rich bluing on the barrels signals a firearm built to be used hard, but also respected.
Specifications
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 26″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Action | Boxlock Side-by-Side |
| Chokes | Fixed (likely Improved Cylinder & Modified) |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptionally fast and natural pointability. The 6.8-pound weight makes it easy to carry all day. The automatic ejectors are a major functional benefit. The classic styling and quality of finish offer serious appeal for the traditionalist. Its American manufacturing means support and parts are straightforward.
Cons: The fixed chokes limit versatility compared to a threaded model. The straight grip stock has a learning curve for shooters used to pistol grips. As a side-by-side, it demands a more disciplined shooting technique than a semi-auto. It’s an investment piece, not an entry-level gun.
Who Is This For?
This shotgun is for the hunter who has moved past pure utility and seeks a more connected, sporting experience. It’s for the upland purist chasing quail, grouse, and pheasant over a good dog. It’s also a brilliant choice for the shooter who enjoys the discipline and challenge of breaking clays with a classic double. If your idea of a perfect day involves a vest, a light gun, and unpredictable flushes, this is your firearm. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the chokes interchangeable?
A: No, the Stevens Fox A Grade typically comes with fixed chokes. The 26-inch barrel model is commonly configured with Improved Cylinder and Modified, which is an ideal, versatile pairing for most upland hunting and sporting clays.
Q: What is the difference between this and an older Stevens 311?
A: The Fox A Grade is a significant step up. It features automatic ejectors (not just extractors), higher-grade walnut, better overall fit and finish, and a more refined action. Think of the 311 as a dependable truck and the Fox A Grade as a precision sports car—both will get you there, but the experience differs.
Q: Is it suitable for a beginner?
A: It can be, but it’s not ideal. A beginner might benefit more from the forgiving nature of a pump or semi-auto. The Fox demands proper mounting and swing technique. That said, learning on a gun like this builds excellent fundamentals from the start.
Ready to experience the balance and tradition of a modern American side-by-side? See the Stevens Fox A Grade in our inventory.
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