Browning BSS 12 Ga

Excellent gun made by Miroku, who makes many of the "Browning/Winchester" guns--an American design made in Japan. You will find the BSS heavy-for-guage compared to similar American guns made in the past and comparable present Italian and Spanish doubles. It is, in my hands, too heavy for an ideal upland gun, but if you are buying a 30" 12 guage, you may want it for waterfowl or turkeys--it would be ideal for that, or for informal SxS trapshooting.

If your upper body strength is up to it, it might serve for upland, especially late-season pheasants, as well. I'd get hold of it and wave it around some, THEN think of what it would feel like when you've humped it a few miles!

I've never heard anyone complain about the function of a BSS. The "English" stocked 20 magnum I once had WORKED just fine. A little slow for a grouse gun, tho. Just my impressions and opinions.
 
Mike Armstrong,

Thanks for sharing what you know about the Browning BSS.

Looks like the one I am looking at was manufactured in 1976. 03168(RT)158

I mounted the gun a few times in the shop and it felt good.

I was not able to really swing it very much but it felt good.

I have looked at many photo's on the internet of this model and it seems like a well made gun.

I have been trying to talk myself out of this shotgun all day. :oops:

Bill
 
Another thing those long-barreled 12s are good for is called coyotes in dense cover; I used my grandfather's 32" barreled Remington 1889 for that when I lived in upstate New York, where the woods are pretty jungly, even in winter. BOOM--dead coyote. Just sayin'.

You might also check on the internet shotgun websites, or call Browning and find out if the BSS is good for steel shot. My IMPRESSION is that it is, but I don't know for sure. (One site that is full of double barrel experts, if one doesn't find you here, is www.doublegunshop.com/BBS).
 
I have a few shotguns that cover most of my shotgun needs but there is something about SXS's.

I would much prefer a 20 ga but the ones I have seen on line are a bit expensive.

As for steel capable, I think not. This is based on the series of posts on the topic.

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=122576

I have all day to think about it due to the local store is closed to observed the 4th.

I think the cool factor is a big point for me. This gun is just not something you see very often.

I would find a use for it. Standing in a wash waiting for some dove to come along or calling in a coyote.

Bill
 
$900 isn't bad if the gun is in decent shape. Here in Richifornia (The "OC" don'tcha know!) NO double that wasn't made in China, Brazil, or Turkey goes for that much. And certainly not a SxS with the Browning name on it.

One thing I might research, if I wuz you, is whether the choke areas of the barrel are thick enough to add "steel compatible" choke tubes later if needed or wanted. The trend toward compulsory "unleaded" shot will get to Arizona last....but it might get there.
 
My Father had one while I was growing up and it got shot quite a bit.

Around here the beat up ones bring $800+. Great guns although I would prefer the 20 gauge. As a result of this, I don't have one because I am cheap...
 
The BSS was made from 1971 to 1987.

The 30 inch barrel for 12 gauge was introduced in 1975. Choked M/F or F/F. The Model code of 158 is called the Hunter 12.

Total number made in 12 Gauge was @ 715.

Yours would have retailed for @ $700-750 when it was made.
 
BADSBSNF81,

Thanks for your information.

I have decided that I will stop by tomorrow and handle it some more.

If the gun grabs me, I will take it home.

Thinking about cost and possible opening up of chokes or installation of choke tubes that are steel safe.

I held some new SXS's today at Cabelas and I think this gun is hands down a better value.

Bill
 
3" would make more sense, although they were just getting into the whole "nontoxic" shot issue in the '70s and some manufacturers were still content with 2 3/4" chambers even on guns meant for longer ranges.
 
I have read that parts for these guns are not available and this could be a problem.

I have worked with "Art's Gun Shop" in Missouri in restoring an A5 that has been in the family for years.

http://artsgunshop.com/index.html

These guys are Browning experts and I gave them a call this morning.

They have all the parts that might be required in the unlikely event that I would have a problem.

They can re-bore the barrel to open up the chokes.

If I have those barrels set to IC and Mod that would make it more useful for me. Dove and quail hunting.

Now, that is one option but the other option would be for installation of removable choke tubes.

Does anyone have a recommendation for who does choke tube installation?

I am trying to weigh all my options before I go back down their to inspect this BSS again.

Bill
 
Got the gun today. :D

Called the Brileys people before I went over to take another look at the gun.

Brileys said that they would need to inspect the barrels before they could positively say that they could do it.

They stated that each set of barrels are different and a tech would need to inspect prior to proceeding.

If the barrel is too thin, I would be out the cost of shipping.

Going to consider that option.

In the mean time, I got her home and took her apart for a good oiling.

I will posts some pictures. :oops:

Thanks for everyone's input. It helps to know as much as possible about an older gun. 8)

Bill
 
Buckeye Bill said:
They were asking $975.

I offered $850.

They countered with $925.

I held off to do some research. 8)
Click to expand...


Sounds like a buy. I see them for sale by the cowboy action shooters well in excess of $1000. The are a well made gun and stand up to the CAS game.
 
Looks like a good 'un! Briley can use the same "thin wall" tubes that they supplied for the Ruger Gold Label. Mine works fine with steel shot, although I've never tried anything larger than 3s.
 
Mike,

Thanks for the informed input you provided as I was making my decision to purchase this gun. :)

I was concerned about recoil with this gun but the weight of the gun really reduces the recoil.

I just fell in love with it when I was test firing it this morning. :oops:

The wood and steel looks different in the light of day. 8)

Considering all options about chokes still.

Those Briley tubes would make this gun extremely versatile.

If I get those barrel off to briley's soon, I can get them back for opening day of Dove season. 8)

Bill
 
Bill, an alternative to Briley's would be to buy a case of scatter loads. I've used US (two different mfrs.; but can't remember either.....) and Fiocchi Italian-made ones in an Ithaca 16 with both barrels tighter than a gnat's you-know-what and in the imp/mod 12 ga. barrel of my Valmet combination gun and they really open up the patterns.
 
Buckeye Bill said:
They were asking $975.

I offered $850.

They countered with $925.

I held off to do some research. 8)
Click to expand...

If research took you to Gunbroker I think $925.00 looks pretty good?

My only shotgun is a Browning BSS in 20 Gauge with the English stock - used to keep it in my college dorm room, went pheasant hunting in western MA during light school days. Great quality, I think they're only going to go up in price.
 
I have a 12 ga BSS that is a dead ringer for yours except that it is a 26" IC/M gun/ It has 2 3/4" chambers and the non-selective trigger.Generally speaking, I love side by sides but have a hard time hitting with them. Over the years I have owned and sold quite a few different ones in a quest to find one or two that I could use effectively.

The BSS has becone one of my three favorite shotguns because it fits me perfectly and I seem to hit everything I look at when firing it. I took it to ND for pheasants last year and did VERY well with it. My other side by side these days is an SKB/Ithaca 280E 20 ga and a Browning Sweet 16 is my third pet shotgun.

The BSS is a bit heavy but very robust and last several lifetimes. I have no plans to ever use steel shot or mess with the chokes on mine. I really enjoy taking it afield and watching the birds crumple.

Congratulations on your purchase. You got a good price on that BSS.
 
okay that is a screaming price on that gun. buy it. They are excellent guns that are well made and have a bit of a following. Always amazed me Ruger could not get the consistency on side by sides whereas they have been made for well over 100 years around the world by many different manufacturers. IMHO Bob
 
Congrats on the BSS.
If you look in your link to Shotgun World, I commented about my own BSS with Briley chokes. 12 ga/28".
The stocks fits me differently, but the weight and balance point are exactly identical to my Remington 11-87 with the Light Contour 26" barrel. So "heavy" is a relative term.
 
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