Milkmaster
Member
My 12Ga BPS rivals any other shotgun in my stable of 14 for functionality, fit, and finish. Great proven pump gun in my experience. In the end, get what YOU like!
input on browning bps
- Thread starter brownout
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SwampWolf
Member
Recalls? I guess I'll have to check with Browning because they haven't called me yet...:
oneounceload
member
For those who might not know Sakaba, here we called them SKB.......excellent guns, and it is my understanding that GU in Omaha has all of the remaining inventory and parts and is seeking someone to start production again
Tolkachi Robotnik
Member
BPS very good, especially for lefties.
They usually shoot extremely well. The receivers do have a tendency to rust and pit compared to a lot of other shotguns and finishes. Put something sticky on it if you are hunting in the wet, the finish is pretty close to 'in the white' for some specimens. They are also very shiny in the beginning and paint might not be a bad idea if you don't want to flare ducks.
They point well and I have not met anyone that did not think theirs hit well.
They usually shoot extremely well. The receivers do have a tendency to rust and pit compared to a lot of other shotguns and finishes. Put something sticky on it if you are hunting in the wet, the finish is pretty close to 'in the white' for some specimens. They are also very shiny in the beginning and paint might not be a bad idea if you don't want to flare ducks.
They point well and I have not met anyone that did not think theirs hit well.
Ithaca makes Model 37 in 16ga. Unfortunately just like the BPS the gun is a 16ga crowbar (aka 7lb+ 16ga). Sadly the only standouts in Ithaca shotgun offerings is 12ga Wildfowler or the Hog Hunter or Hog Slayer.
chas08
Member
The Nev;
You might consider finding an older 16ga Ithaca Model 37 and have chokes installed by reputable outfit such as Briley. The older ones are scaled to gauge and a real pleasure to carry, weighing in somewhere around the 6lb.+ mark.
I love the 1957 vintage 16ga. that I came across a few years ago for $200 in really good shape. It is a 28" fixed Mod. choke and suits me fine in that configuration.
Something to consider if you decide to do this is look for a 30" full choke gun and bob it back to 28" to gain a little barrel thickness. They are pretty thin at the muzzle.
You might consider finding an older 16ga Ithaca Model 37 and have chokes installed by reputable outfit such as Briley. The older ones are scaled to gauge and a real pleasure to carry, weighing in somewhere around the 6lb.+ mark.
I love the 1957 vintage 16ga. that I came across a few years ago for $200 in really good shape. It is a 28" fixed Mod. choke and suits me fine in that configuration.
Something to consider if you decide to do this is look for a 30" full choke gun and bob it back to 28" to gain a little barrel thickness. They are pretty thin at the muzzle.
amflyer
Member
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- Aug 5, 2008
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I have one confirmed and one possible left-hander in my stable of kids, and when I saw a used but unfired BPS in 16 gauge I jumped on it. It is scaled to size, smooth, and shoulders very well. It is not heavy for it's materials and gauge. Steel and walnut is going to be heavier than birch and aluminum.
beatledog7
Member
And more durable. My great grandchildren, assuming they will live in a country where RKBA survives, will be able to admire and shoot my BPSs.
Armored farmer
Member
With all due respect, my opinion is 180degrees from this. I don't like the safety, or fumbling and jacking to load and unload.
One of my quail hunting buddies has a bps. At least a couple times per season he fails to get off a second shot because he gripped the forearm too far back and his hand caused a failure to eject.
(however I will admit that Browning quality is very good)
beatledog7
Member
And the BPS is responsible for this operator error?
Actually most of those come in close to 6.5lb. It isn't to say there aren't extra light all steel Ithaca 37s out there. My 12ga 3" magnum with 27" barrel comes in at 6&3/4lb which is pretty light for gun of this type.
Armored farmer
Member
Of course not.
One can make a mental effort to keep your hand well forward of the ejector cutout in the fore-end. One also needs to keep in mind that when you carry your gun over your shoulder, you should check your safety often.(as with any gun) It's not uncommon for a receiver mtd safety to get clicked "off-safe" in this carry position.
The op asked for opinions on the BPS.
Gordon
Member
My go to Waterfowl and Turkey gun is a BPS for almost 20 years. A 12 Ga. would do just as well but in 12 ga. You can go Benelli (I like the Super 90 series best my self all though I would not kick a Black Eagle out of bed) and be done with it too in 12 gauge . BPS is hard to beat for me as a waterfowl/turkey gun, but other hunting would have me using other tools as would defense. A 24"-26" Benelli or other reliable auto 12 ga. is indeed hard to fault as the best overall choice.
auto 12 ga. is indeed hard to fault as the best overall choice.That's apples and oranges, those Benellis are semiautos. Speaking of pumps, the BPS is an upgrade from the Nova. The pump action Benellis work fine, just their fit and finish is in a different category. (Edit: Supposed to be. Not my BPS...)My go to Waterfowl and Turkey gun is a BPS for almost 20 years. A 12 Ga. would do just as well but in 12 ga. You can go Benelli (I like the Super 90 series best my self all though I would not kick a Black Eagle out of bed) and be done with it too in 12 gauge . BPS is hard to beat for me as a waterfowl/turkey gun, but other hunting would have me using other tools as would defense. A 24"-26" Benelli or other reliable
Deltaboy1984
Member
I got one but Dad keeps it most of the time. GOOD SHOTGUNS !
John Peddie
Member
I have a 37 (1958 edition, much used and silky smooth), plus 3 BPS (1 20 ga. and 2 12 ga.)
BPS good things
-top tang safety (good for lefties and anyone used to a double)
-rock solid, and pretty smooth out of the box
-bottom ejection means easy pick-up of cases and no empties flying into your partner's face
BPS bad things
-tricky to disassemble (can be done, but manual recommends you don't; might be a black mark if used in salt air)
-a bit heavy for upland carry-all-day; but that makes if a great duck gun if you're not carrying it far; extra weight helps reduce recoil of heavier waterfowl loads.
The Ithaca is actually my favourite, and (for me) shoulders and swings a bit better, but the top tang safety make the BPS the "go to" guns except for turkeys (lots of time for the safety, unlike other birds); and it's nicer to carry any distance.
BPS good things
-top tang safety (good for lefties and anyone used to a double)
-rock solid, and pretty smooth out of the box
-bottom ejection means easy pick-up of cases and no empties flying into your partner's face
BPS bad things
-tricky to disassemble (can be done, but manual recommends you don't; might be a black mark if used in salt air)
-a bit heavy for upland carry-all-day; but that makes if a great duck gun if you're not carrying it far; extra weight helps reduce recoil of heavier waterfowl loads.
The Ithaca is actually my favourite, and (for me) shoulders and swings a bit better, but the top tang safety make the BPS the "go to" guns except for turkeys (lots of time for the safety, unlike other birds); and it's nicer to carry any distance.
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