Browning BPS

I have the BPS Field Stalker in 12 gauge with a 3" chamber and a 28" barrel:

http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/home/hunting/firearms/pump-action-shotguns/bps-field-stalker/prod81389.html

I bought it to replace the very first shotgun I bought back in 1987 and foolishly traded away. It was a BPS Hunter in 12 gauge, with a 3" chamber and 28" barrel:

http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/home/hunting/firearms/pump-action-shotguns/bps-hunter/prod81387.html


I have shot Remington 870's and Winchester 1300's, but I like Browning BPS's the best. Especially being a southpaw.

One thing I noticed though when I first received my Field Stalker, is how much more finely finished the inside of the receiver is on the Hunter models. I can see machining marks on the inside of my Stalker, while I remember my hunter being highly polished. I even compared it to a friend's BPS Trap model and his was highly polished too.

It doesn't bug me that much as I wanted a matte finish and synthetic stock, but the walnut stocked versions sure seem to be more polished.
 
BTW, the price of a brand new BPS in any model you choose, thumps the hell out of the Rem 870 Wingmaster by several hundred dollars.

http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/home/hunting/firearms/pump-action-shotguns/model-870-wingmaster/prod100155.html

You can buy a lot of shells with the left over money.

I wouldn't touch an Express with a ten foot barge pole.
 
Yeah I sold my 2007 870 Express cause I know that there are better pump guns out there. Nothing wrong with the 870 design, but if I were to have one, it'd be a Wingmaster.

I like the BPS Hunter, I'm going to look into getting one. Is it a lot of gun for the money? What about the venerable Mossberg? For the features it comes with and the set of chokes and everything else, it seems to be more reliable and well accepted over the 870 express. The only problems are the safety flying off (apparently) and the noisy fore-end.
 
A BPS Hunter is great for the money.

I can't comment on the Mossberg, as I've never shot one.

You won't regret buying the Browning though. I just regret trading my first one away.:(

It was great for busting skeet with my friends.:)

The one time I hunted with it, I bagged a grouse easily. I flushed around 20 birds and could have limited out in about five seconds, but I just wanted one.

It comes with; Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder Chokes. I bought Extra-Full Turkey in case I ever get to hunt some Toms.
 
Now due to the weight of the gun, which length of barrel would you choose? The short 26" or longer 28"? And since the barrels are backbored, does this mean you can't shoot slugs out of them?
 
I think it depends on the type of hunting you plan to do.

If you were just going to hunt upland birds and turkey, I would buy the 26" version. If you are going after turkey, I would want a finish that will not spook them.

I don't plan on hunting geese or ducks, but I bought the 28" version because I like to shoot skeet informally and still be able to hunt with it.

I've honestly never held a 26" BPS version, but I don't feel handicapped with the longer 28" barrel.

I figure that the longer sight radius helps with better accuracy.

I can't comment on the inability to shoot slugs from a back-bored barrel. I would ask the folks at Browning about that.
 
Also I posted a video on youtube which is on the bottom of the 2nd page, where the guy shows you go to load a shell directly into the chamber. Does that work with your gun?
 
Sure!:)

Note the absence of the gold trigger and gold inlay in the trigger guard, as compared to the Hunter model.

The trigger group is aluminum, unlike the plastic used by some other gunmakers.

Please pardon the oily gun case.:redface:

Edit: Right click on my images and hit "View Image" if you want to see them larger. For some reason this forum shrinks my pictures.

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When you've put some rounds and usage into it, let us know how the finish is holding up. I've heard different testimonials about the quality of the finish in regards to the High Capacity model and I'm wondering how durable the Stalker finish is compared to say, a parkerized Mossberg 590, A matte finish 500 or an Express. Assuming of course they use the same finish for both the Stalker and H.C. models. It certainly looks leagues above those I had mentioned but I'm wondering if it is as durable. Seems to be little in the way of information from first hand accounts.

- Thanks!
 
Tan said:
When you've put some rounds and usage into it, let us know how the finish is holding up. I've heard different testimonials about the quality of the finish in regards to the High Capacity model and I'm wondering how durable the Stalker finish is compared to say, a parkerized Mossberg 590, A matte finish 500 or an Express. Assuming of course they use the same finish for both the Stalker and H.C. models. It certainly looks leagues above those I had mentioned but I'm wondering if it is as durable. Seems to be little in the way of information from first hand accounts.

- Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sure!

I have to find some clay pigeons first.

I have a Trius trap I can set with my foot, and cases of shells, but I haven't bought any clays yet.

I won't be able to compare it to anything, but I can let you know how it wears with use.

I'd be interested in hearing what the testimonials are on the high-capacity models finish.:confused:
 
I think with regular cleaning and maintenance (but not overdone) the BPS should perform. Most guns will serve you well when you give them the basic care that they need.

Browning BPS's are made by Miroku in Japan, and the Japanese are known for their quality precision products. (mind you Toyota is in a pickle, but the parts for the brakes are manufactured in Canada).

I think the Stalker uses the Dura-Coat finish, which is supposed to be scratch resistant etc. So definitely let us know. Maybe even just dry-firing some snap caps or working the action 50 times will let you know!
 
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