How does a Browning BPS Synthetic Stalker compare to a BPS Field Composite?

edgy said:
Perhaps it’s an aluminum blend, either way they are a fantastic shotgun, just got my hands on a 20gauge actually, will give it a run today
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I just pulled out my BPS Stalker and checked the vent rib with a magnet.

I can confirm that they are steel and have a strong magnetic attraction.

BTW, where did you get your 20 gauge from?
 
CanuckCooper said:
The bps stalker will have a chrome lined chamber. This was omitted for the field models. To me comparing the two, the field models were cheapened up a little bit.
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Thanks for your feedback! Is that the only major difference between the two? (Other than the new trigger guard and stock.)

I noticed that in the specs for the two models. They said that the Stalker's chamber was chrome-lined, while the Field's chamber was polished.

I called Browning and asked them to clarify what that meant (among other questions that I had for them.)

The rep stated that the chambers were still chrome-lined, but I think he was just trying to end the call.

He must be THE most unhelpful person that I have spoken to in quite some time. He kept saying that since the BPS is discontinued, he doesn't have one of front of him anymore to comment on it.

I was thinking, "When did you EVER have one in front of you? At best you would have had a spec sheet and there's no reason why he couldn't still bring up that information."

I'm finding that it's really hard to get any information out of firearm manufacturers these days. It's like trying to pull the teeth out of a crocodile with a pair of pliers.
 
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MapleSugar said:
Thanks for your feedback! Is that the only major difference between the two? (Other than the new trigger guard and stock.)

I noticed that in the specs for the two models. They said that the Stalker's chamber was chrome-lined, while the Field's chamber was polished.

I called Browning and asked them to clarify what that meant (among other questions that I had for them.)

The rep stated that the chambers were still chrome-lined, but I think he was just trying to end the call.

He must be THE most unhelpful person that I have spoken to in quite some time. He kept saying that since the BPS is discontinued, he doesn't have one of front of him anymore to comment on it.

I was thinking, "When did you EVER have one on front of you? At best you would have had a spec sheet and there's no reason why he couldn't still bring up that information."

I'm finding that it's really hard to get any information out of firearm manufacturers these days. It's like trying to pull the teeth out of a crocodile with a pair of pliers.
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I can’t be certain if those are the only differences, but the newer fields definitely weren’t chrome lined. Sorry to hear about the call to browning…. It’s unfortunate this is the way things are going. Browning Canada’s is a distribution center for us here. I did have to call them once in relation to a screw for a bl-22. I was put through to a guy that really knew his stuff. But I bet those are and far between. Keep and enjoy your stalker. It’s an awesome shotgun.
 
I forgot to mention. If read back and noticed you mentioned you were considering a 26” field to run along side your 28” stalker. For what it’s worth I have a 28” bps medallion. I bought an upland special barrel for it a few years ago (I’d have to check again but I think it’s 22”). Honestly it’s not that big of a deal in most hunting situations. I hunted everything with that 28” barrel it came with. Aside from really pushing think brush for grouse it’s not terribly noticeable. I can dig it out and post a pick with both barrels side by side.
 
CanuckCooper said:
I can’t be certain if those are the only differences, but the newer fields definitely weren’t chrome lined. Sorry to hear about the call to browning…. It’s unfortunate this is the way things are going. Browning Canada’s is a distribution center for us here. I did have to call them once in relation to a screw for a bl-22. I was put through to a guy that really knew his stuff. But I bet those are and far between. Keep and enjoy your stalker. It’s an awesome shotgun.
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Thanks again!

I already ordered a 26" BPS Field Composite from Tillsonburg, so I guess I can compare them myself soon enough.

The Browning website still lists replacement "Stalker" barrels for sale. There is no mention of chrome-lined or polished chambers.

https://www.browning.com/products/firearms/barrels/bps-extra-barrels/bps-stalker-extra-barrels.html

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CanuckCooper said:
I forgot to mention. If read back and noticed you mentioned you were considering a 26” field to run along side your 28” stalker. For what it’s worth I have a 28” bps medallion. I bought an upland special barrel for it a few years ago (I’d have to check again but I think it’s 22”). Honestly it’s not that big of a deal in most hunting situations. I hunted everything with that 28” barrel it came with. Aside from really pushing think brush for grouse it’s not terribly noticeable. I can dig it out and post a pick with both barrels side by side.
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Thanks, that would be cool!

I was thinking of the 26" BPS for hunting with and the 28" version for skeet shooting.

I don't know if I'll ever hunt turkey, but people seem to favour the shorter barrels for that. For something like pheasant, a 26" barrel would probably be better, too.
 
So the upland barrel is 22”. Here it is compared to the 28”. Not a huge difference at the end of the day. I use the 28” for waterfowl and doves. The 22” for basically anything else. Shame you didn’t hang on to that old bps hunter. They wear well. That medallion has been soaked, frozen and muddy, it always cleans up well. My first bps was a hunter 12 with 3 1/2” chamber. It was a bit long in the receiver. My dad has a stalker. They all take honest wear about the same.
 

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CanuckCooper said:
So the upland barrel is 22”. Here it is compared to the 28”. Not a huge difference at the end of the day. I use the 28” for waterfowl and doves. The 22” for basically anything else. Shame you didn’t hang on to that old bps hunter. They wear well. That medallion has been soaked, frozen and muddy, it always cleans up well. My first bps was a hunter 12 with 3 1/2” chamber. It was a bit long in the receiver. My dad has a stalker. They all take honest wear about the same.
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Thanks for the comparison!

That a nice gun! I'd be afraid of scratching it.

I'm going to see if the replacement BPS Stalker barrels are chrome-lined.

If so, I may pick up a 24" barrel. They come with an extra-full turkey tube already in them.

I'll try contacting Browning Canada and hope that I get the rep that you spoke to. I deliberately avoided them, thinking that the main office in America would be more helpful.
 
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