Browning BSS

[Tayne]

I’ve been on the market for a decent used SxS for a few years now. Keep passing up the cheap Turkish guns, mostly due to warnings posted by users in this and other forums. I’ve always wanted a SxS, but I don’t have any real intention for it other than breaking clays and maybe some CAS someday.
So... there’s a used Browning BSS at my LGS on consignment for $1,500. Plain Jane box lock with single trigger and the switch for which barrel fires first. IC and Mod fixed chokes.
Based on my research this seems like a good price to me but I’m interested what anyone here who knows SxS’s thinks.
Basically, what I’m asking is should I snatch this up? Thanks in advance.

 

[Virginian]

I have had several SxSs and have shot a slew of others, most costing a lot more than a BSS. All are gone now - except my BSS. A BSS is not a European game gun, but in my opinion it was one of the best of the American styled SxSs. One of the few that will hold up to sustained target shooting.

 

[huntsman]

Most of the BSS 12 gauges that come up on Gunrunner will go for about $1,000 a twenty going for a bit more.

I’ve owned one since 1999 no issues but I’m not a high volume shooter anymore.

My preference would be Japanese assembled, not the latter ones.

 

[Tayne]

My preference would be Japanese assembled, not the latter ones.

How can I tell if it’s one of the Japanese made ones?

 

[earlthegoat2]

How can I tell if it’s one of the Japanese made ones?

It should say right on it.

The BSS was a heavy gun for what it was and was never meant to be an English game gun or upland gun. It is sturdily built and could conceivably be used for waterfowling and come out of the experience laughing. It is not delicate and many were chambered for 3" shells. They are still an elegant gun for American styled SxSs.

 

[rabid wombat]

A BSS was the first gun I bought 40 or so years ago. A lot of dove, and other upland bird...Still have it....

Buy it!

 

[SwampWolf]

I think the BSS is a good value but, for me, a sxs is in its element when it has a svelte configuration, handles like an extension of your hands and points naturally in heavy woodcock and grouse environs. For me, the BSS is a workhorse that is a mite chubby and heavy for my purposes. Of course, there is always Nash Buckingham's Burt Becker 12 magnum, built on an A.H.Fox action example if bigger is always better...

 

[cdb1]

If I were looking for a SxS 20 gauge I’d be pleased as punch with a BSS.

 

[Tayne]

If I were looking for a SxS 20 gauge I’d be pleased as punch with a BSS.

Why would you prefer the smaller gauge? Is it just easier on the shoulder?
I expect to mostly use this for trap. Thanks.

 

[Jim Watson]

Real ATA Trap on the "funny sidewalks" or "foot trap" targets in the pasture?
12 gauge is the best bet for regulation Trap; more shot in the pattern. But see below.
Shooting a SxS at Trap is kind of a nostalgia exercise, they are not thought to be as effective as a "single sighting plane" gun. But I thought a friend's Ithaca 4E Trap did pretty well.

I don't care if a BSS is "chubby" relative to a London Best Game Gun, it is still quite light compared to typical Trap, Skeet, and SC guns. That means recoil will mount up over a long program. A recoil pad, a padded vest, and maybe a clamp on barrel weight, if one can be found to fit a double, would help.
Another local tried out Trap with a Browning Superposed Lightning 20 gauge. No recoil pad, in shirtsleeves. By the end of one round it had drawn blood on his shoulder. He learned fast and showed up with a proper trap gun and eventually made a business out of cutting shotgun stocks to fit the shooter.

In his later years, the guy with the Ithaca shot mostly with a 20 gauge Purbaugh tube in the bottom barrel of his Browning Broadway, weight and small gauge keeping the recoil down. But he was just in it for the fun and no longer hotly competitive.

IC - M is kind of open for Trap. Given a selective single trigger, you would probably do better shooting the Modified barrel unless you are very quick to the target.

 

[Tayne]

Real ATA Trap on the "funny sidewalks" or "foot trap" targets in the pasture?

Both. I still shoot highest handicap at my trap club (because I'm terrible at it) and also practice with a small thrower in my FiL's back field. Haven't done much the last few months with snow on the ground, but now I'm raring to get back at it...

 

[The Bushmaster]

I have a non selective BSS that I've owned sense 1996. Wouldn't part with it. Great gun. I use it for up-land game and ducks.

 

[tachelberry]

I am a fan of the side by side shotguns. I currently own a BSS in 12 gauge and years ago I sold a BSS in 20 gauge to help fund my college years. I sure do miss that 20 gauge. It was one of the best handling and pointing shotguns that I have ever owned. I still have many doubles including, LC Smiths, Parkers and one AH Fox. The BSS is built like a tank and many compare it to the robust Winchester model 21. Pre covid price for a nice 12 gauge usually would range between $1000 and $1200 for a nice example. The 20 gauge as previously mentioned will be a bit more.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Why would you prefer the smaller gauge? Is it just easier on the shoulder?
I expect to mostly use this for trap. Thanks.

The 20 gauges were made on a scaled receiver so they are lighter and handier than a 12. Maybe a bit better for hunting but I would want the 12 if my primary purpose was clays games. The extra weight is good for a bit of recoil absorption and the heavier guns are a bit less “whippy” and come onto targets better. At least for me.

 

[Tayne]

Thanks everyone! I think I may swallow hard and pay COVID prices for this gun because I doubt I'm gonna find another one any time soon. THANKS STIMULUS MONEY!

 

[huntsman]

I own a BSS because I can’t afford a model 21 it’s my only SXS, all my 16gauge Hunter’s Arms guns are gone as is the 12ga nitro special.

back in the 70-80s the BSS was rejected by older gun guys because it was “Jap” made even though Miroku was a quality manufacturer.

 

[eastbank]

my browning BSS sporter in 20 ga 28" barrels F-MOD(3" if needed) with ejectors and select trigger is not a club and has lasted thru four generations of hunters over the last 43 years and has fired thousands of factory-reloads with out one problem.

 

[cdb1]

Why would you prefer the smaller gauge? Is it just easier on the shoulder?
I expect to mostly use this for trap. Thanks.

If I bought a SxS it would be for upland game. I prefer a 20 gauge for hunting upland. I would not purchase a SxS for shooting Trap.

 

[Tayne]

If I bought a SxS it would be for upland game. I prefer a 20 gauge for hunting upland. I would not purchase a SxS for shooting Trap.

Hehe. Yeah, I plan on trying a little pheasant hunting with a buddy next season, but the real reason I want a SxS is I just think they're cool. What's the fun of collecting guns if you can't indulge a little childhood dream to be a cowboy?