Looking at a bt99 plus are the adjustable ribs suposto be spring loaded or is there something wrong, also seller said when the recoil reducer collapses it makes a loud clicking noise is that normal. Seller says it is just asking for second opinion. I have had rads in the past but never a browning factory reducer, just a nice unit i was looking at adding to the collection but curious before i spend the coin.
bt99 Plus
- Thread starter scott9001
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At one time I owned the first one that was sold in BC, shot it extensively for several years. Yes, the adjustable rib is sprung and it makes a ‘sproing’ noise when the gun fires that you might hear even with the noise of the shot, or maybe you partly feel it. Anyway, I noticed it but I quickly got used to it. It seems to be quite sturdy if you don’t constantly fiddle with it, never had any problem with mine. And yes, the recoil reducer does click when compressed. It works well and is adjustable for degree of reduction as well as the pad being fully adjustable for length, drop and cast. And of course the comb is fully adjustable as well and this is the only problem area that I have seen on these guns.
Because the comb adjustment is by means of loosening and tightening opposing set screws this system can get sloppy over time if changed too often, then one or more screws won’t properly be secured. These set screws seat onto brass which is soft and will deform if the set screws are cinched down too often and too tightly. My observation of other owners is that if you adjust, adjust, adjust the comb ( and some people just seem to be always fiddling) you will eventually have problems but if you fit the gun as best you can at home by setting the set screws lightly each time you adjust and then shoot for results and make changes sparingly based on several outings involving averaging hundreds of rounds rather than adjusting after a round or two the system works great. The idea is to fit the gun to you personally and once it’s good shoot it lots and try to pick up an extra bird or two by repetition not by more adjustment.
These guns were revolutionary when introduced and thousands of them are still smoking clays all over North America by satisfied owners, they were basically a full custom fully adjustable clay breaking machine right out of the box from a major manufacturer, previously a gun with all or even some of these features was only available by adding these features to a basic gun, usually at a cost more than the new basic gun itself. These guns are treasured by their owners and hard to find for sale.
Because the comb adjustment is by means of loosening and tightening opposing set screws this system can get sloppy over time if changed too often, then one or more screws won’t properly be secured. These set screws seat onto brass which is soft and will deform if the set screws are cinched down too often and too tightly. My observation of other owners is that if you adjust, adjust, adjust the comb ( and some people just seem to be always fiddling) you will eventually have problems but if you fit the gun as best you can at home by setting the set screws lightly each time you adjust and then shoot for results and make changes sparingly based on several outings involving averaging hundreds of rounds rather than adjusting after a round or two the system works great. The idea is to fit the gun to you personally and once it’s good shoot it lots and try to pick up an extra bird or two by repetition not by more adjustment.
These guns were revolutionary when introduced and thousands of them are still smoking clays all over North America by satisfied owners, they were basically a full custom fully adjustable clay breaking machine right out of the box from a major manufacturer, previously a gun with all or even some of these features was only available by adding these features to a basic gun, usually at a cost more than the new basic gun itself. These guns are treasured by their owners and hard to find for sale.
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I never had the BT-99 but I had a pair of Citori Plus', one O/U(30") and one combo 34" single and 30" O/U barrels. Best darned recoil system ever imo. I never heard or felt the clicking that some mentioned and the recoil absorption was much better than any Gracoil or Rad I've tried/owned. Yes the rib is sprung. The Plus's are an awesome gun. Wish I'd never sold mine!
I owned one of these guns and can confirm all of the above. The only thing I'd add is the comb occasionally slipped so I clipped pieces of suitably sized plastic tubing to place over the posts to support the comb if the screws loosened.
When I bought mine one of the older shooters at the club gave me some good advice. Go to the patterning board, take your wrenches and adjust it until you get the pattern where you want it and then throw the wrenches away.
I bought my BT-99 Plus from a guy like that!
I set it and forgot it - and did quite well with it when I shot trap.
I still have it, and should shoot it more.
You will enjoy yours.
The only thing that needs adjusting after a bad round is your attitude. My BT99 Plus lessons stuck with me when I bought an o/u with an adjustable rib and comb. Took it to the club expecting to spend the afternoon adjusting it. As it came from the dealer the patterns were right were I wanted them. Wrenches went back into the case and haven't been touched since.
