Browning BPS for HD?

[batex]

I already have a nice blue/walnut Browning BPS, but a local shop has a used, somewhat worn BPS with the black, plastic stock. It's priced reasonable ($240 I believe), and so I'm considering getting it for a HD gun and one that I could use when the weather and conditions are a bit nasty. I would either have the barrel cut down or find a 20" tube to replace what's on it. (I don't know if there are barrels that short for a BPS however).

In any case, just wanted to get some input. I don't ever see the BPS set up as a HD gun. Is it just that a Browning is too "sporty", or are there inherent flaws in the bottom load/eject design?

Thanks,

BTW, I'm left handed so I really appreciate the BPS design.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Nothing wrong with the BPS, good shotgun. They mostly run more expensive than the Big Four (500/37/1300/870) which is why they A, are not as common and B, not as often worked into HD tools.

Let us know how it goes. Thanks....

 

[John Peddie]

BPS

I love my BPS. Both pumps I have (BPS and Ithaca 37) have bottom load / eject, so I've never experienced anything else.

Growing up with doubles, to me, the safety should be top tang (BPS). I find I can get to it faster than the cross-bolt on the 37.

Browning makes 22" barrels in both 12 and 20 gauge, but I'm betting that a new one would cost more than the gun. I'd also guess there aren't many used ones around.

In principle, I disapprove of taking hacksaws to shotguns, but this may be one of the rare cases where it is justified.

 

[Starter52]

$240 is a good price for a BPS. The bottom eject system is police-proven (NYPD and LAPD). I say: buy the shotgun. In this case a plastic stock is a benefit.