Browning BPS as a first shotgun

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alphaq227

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I'm just getting into the shooting sports and will be getting my first shotgun shortly. I think I've narrowed it down to a Browning BPS Hunter 28" 12ga. I'll mostly be using it for trap but I'm sure I'll end up doing other things like 3-gun matches, skeet and sporting clays every now and then.

Since it'll be used for a lot of trap, should I consider getting the BPS Trap 30" with a raised comb?

None of the stores around me have a Trap model in stock so seeing how differently it fits probably isn't an option but I do like how the BPS Hunter fits.

Any advice on this or a first shotgun in general would be great.
 
The BPS will work well for Trap. However, as a pump action, it won't be the appropriate firearm for Skeet and/or SC particularly for someone new to the sport.

Having said that, I have also observed folks demonstrate proficiency on the Skeet field with a pump action. Needless to mention, such skill require years of experience and practise.

A dedicated trap model will serve well for Trap shooting only. Other than that, the BPS is a nice slide action shotgun.

A sporting and/or field model semi-auto (Browning/Beretta/Winchester in new/used condition) will be a superior option and offer greater overall satisfaction if you are able to stretch the budget.

Gun fit must be the foremost selection criteria for anything within your budget.
 
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Used Browning Golds can be had in the same budget range as a new BPS Hunter and will be much more versatile IMO. The 3" semi's cycle light target loads better than the 3.5" in general. The Winchester SX-2 is almost identical, in the Chevrolet/Pontiac kind of way.

You'd have to dig deeper for a Beretta 391 which would be my 1st choice. Maybe except for 3 gun - I don't shoot that sport but I understand short barrels and high capacity guns are where its at. Beretta barrels are $$$, capacity is only 4 I think on my 391, don't think I've ever tried more than 2 shells LOL.
 
Or wait and see if bass pro or someone else will bring a few of the new A300 into canada. They are essentially the 391, but slightly cheaper due it being an older model.

I understand some shoot skeet and SC with pumps, but I think most would agree that there is no reason to handicap oneself when trying to a new game.

Otherwise if it fits, the BPS would work fine for trap, although I would lean towards one that can be loaded directly into the chamber for trap.
 
Does anyone have any experience with the BPS Trap model with the 30" barrel and raised comb?

Would the longer barrel make much of a difference at the expense of loosing the option for 3" shells, probably having to order it in and about $180 more than the Hunter in 28"?
 
As a hunting gun, the BPS is excellent, having been "that" guy shooting clay games other than Sporting with the BPS I agree with the others.

I run three 12 gauges for general use, Franchi Skeet/Trial Gun , BPS and an SX2.
 
As a first gun, it's probably a good idea to get something well rounded, as opposed to a gun for 1 specific game. Unless you really only see yourself shooting trap.
 
alphaq227 said:
Does anyone have any experience with the BPS Trap model with the 30" barrel and raised comb?

Would the longer barrel make much of a difference at the expense of loosing the option for 3" shells, probably having to order it in and about $180 more than the Hunter in 28"?
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The longer barrel serves to give you a more stable swing and follow through on clay targets. Other than that the only difference is you are about 2" closer to the target ;)

A trap gun with a high rib and raised comb is setup to shoot high at rising targets. Its not what you really want for skeet and sporting.

Have you visited a trap range and had the opportunity to try some guns? Its a very personal choice and fit is important. There was a kid at my range that shot a BPS very well indeed. Personally I can't stand the bottom loading on the trap line.
 
Hi,
I bought a Browing BPS (28 inch) hunter 2 years ago as my first “trap shotgun”. I use it both for hunting and a little trap shooting and I am quite satisfied with it. Bottom loading on the trap line needs a little practice, especially if you are new to the sport and trying hard not to be a nuisance to the other shooters ( I drop the shell a few times!) I think that the magazine cut-off, (allowing the shooter to retain shells in the magazine and eject a shell from the chamber without cycling a shell from the magazine) might help in that regard.
 
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