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

MapleSugar

MapleSugar

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I have a Browning BPS Synthetic Stalker that I bought in 2007.

For those of you that are familiar with them and the later model BPS Field Composite (that came out in 2020) how do they compare?

Are the only major changes the stock and the enlarged trigger guard, and is the trigger guard still aluminum?

I'm wondering if the build quality is the same for the two guns, or if Browning started to cut corners with their last BPS release before they discontinued them?

Also, is there any significant difference in how they shoot and swing?

Thanks for your input!

BPS Synthetic Stalker

Browning%20BPS%20Stalker%20-%20012212204.jpg



BPS Field Composite

Browning%20BPS%20Composite012289305.jpg
 
browninggold said:
Exact same guns, just some cosmetic differences and new name. Build quality is the same although some surfaces will be rougher due to finishes used, the newer ones having a rougher matte finish and the older ones a smoother blued finish. I’d be happy with either.
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Thanks! That's what I was hoping to hear!

I bought my first BPS in 1987. Back then they only came with the gloss blue finish and shiny walnut stock.

I didn't like hunting with it because I was afraid of damaging the finish.

When I bought my BPS Stalker in 2007, I liked the matte finish and synthetic stock. It just seemed better for hunting.

I did notice that it didn't seem as finely polished as before, but it was still a great gun.

Now I'm kind of liking the enlarged trigger guard of the last variant. I'm just not sure about that stock, though.
 
I have two BPS’s, fantastic guns, sad they are discontinuing them, but they aren’t cheap compared to some of the Turkish guns.
 
I'm also a fan of the Browning BPS. I've had several over the years and I had a Stalker at one point back in my University days.

I will say that my one criticism of the BPS is the aluminum vent rib... I sold my old Stalker after the vent rib was bent to the barrel following an unfortunate drop... Just couldn't look at it the same despite the gunsmith doing his best to repair it...

Great guns overall!

Cheers
Jay
 
I prefer the stock on the stalker over the new style. The only one I have left is my 10ga. It swings like a 2x6 and has a giant reach to rack it but it drops geese and carpet bombs turkeys. I generally use my scs 10ga more so my stalker becomes a loaner most of the goose season
 
bunny said:
I have two BPS’s, fantastic guns, sad they are discontinuing them, but they aren’t cheap compared to some of the Turkish guns.
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That's probably why they discontinued them.

IIRC, when I bought my first BPS in 1987, it cost more than a Rem 870 Wingmaster or Winchester 1300.

I'm a lefty, so I was buying it for the ambidextrous features.

I've shot them all, but I like the BPS best for a hunting shotgun.
 
Jay said:
I'm also a fan of the Browning BPS. I've had several over the years and I had a Stalker at one point back in my University days.

I will say that my one criticism of the BPS is the aluminum vent rib... I sold my old Stalker after the vent rib was bent to the barrel following an unfortunate drop... Just couldn't look at it the same despite the gunsmith doing his best to repair it...

Great guns overall!

Cheers
Jay
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I didn't know that the vent ribs were aluminum.

Whatever the gunsmith charged you, a new barrel might not have cost much more.

Now they cost about half the price of the entire gun.
 
MapleSugar said:
I didn't know that the vent ribs were aluminum.

Whatever the gunsmith charged you, a new barrel might not have cost much more.

Now they cost about half the price of the entire gun.
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Can't remember what the gunsmith charged me, but it wouldn't have been that much.

The vent rib never looked the same as the bent metal was stretched & still had a 'wow' to it after the repair...
 
Jay said:
Can't remember what the gunsmith charged me, but it wouldn't have been that much.

The vent rib never looked the same as the bent metal was stretched & still had a 'wow' to it after the repair...
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That sucks.

It probably didn't sight very well after that, eh?
 
Jay said:
I'm also a fan of the Browning BPS. I've had several over the years and I had a Stalker at one point back in my University days.

I will say that my one criticism of the BPS is the aluminum vent rib... I sold my old Stalker after the vent rib was bent to the barrel following an unfortunate drop... Just couldn't look at it the same despite the gunsmith doing his best to repair it...

Great guns overall!

Cheers
Jay
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BPS ribs are not Aluminum
 
Jay said:
I disagree, but if they aren't then they are made from a very soft metal that enables the vent rib to be bent to the barrel if dropped etc...

If you have info as to what metal it is, please post it.
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I believe you are correct, they are aluminum, I remember reading that when I was first looking into obtaining one years ago 🤷‍♂️
 
Jay said:
I disagree, but if they aren't then they are made from a very soft metal that enables the vent rib to be bent to the barrel if dropped etc...

If you have info as to what metal it is, please post it.
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Not exactly sure what kind of metal they are, but they are not aluminum,.. I have had several over the years and a magnetic fiber op site will securely stick to them with no fear of them coming off,.. as we all know magnets won't stick to aluminum,.. but I agree they are made of a soft metal that does bend quite easily.
 
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Jay said:
I disagree, but if they aren't then they are made from a very soft metal that enables the vent rib to be bent to the barrel if dropped etc...

If you have info as to what metal it is, please post it.
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I have owned 5 BPS shotguns and all of mine had steel ribs. Not that I ever checked but fibre optic sights with the magnetic base worked. The ribs are soft and easily damaged. I have experienced similar experiences Jay. Mine were all ten gauge so maybe different in different gauges.
 
I'm happy to stand corrected that the rib isn't aluminum, glad to see that others agree with me in that the vent rib is easily damaged.

And keep in mind, I really like the BPS (we have two) and see the delicate vent rib as its only detracting characteristic.

Apologies for derailing your thread MapleSugar.
 
Jay said:
I'm happy to stand corrected that the rib isn't aluminum, glad to see that others agree with me in that the vent rib is easily damaged.

And keep in mind, I really like the BPS (we have two) and see the delicate vent rib as its only detracting characteristic.

Apologies for derailing your thread MapleSugar.
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No problem, Jay! I welcome all relevant input, and your input is definitely relevant.

It's good to know that BPS vent ribs are fragile. But then again, I suppose that all shotgun ribs are.

FWIW, it looks like you aren't the only one that's had that problem. Here's a blast from the past......way back in 2009.

https://www.practicalmachinist.com/forum/threads/shot-gun-vent-rib.189168/

I'm just debating whether or not I should just grab a 26" Field Composite (to complement my 28" Stalker) or pair it with a 28" Field Composite, too?

Decisions, decisions...

z9180461-rat_in_maze.jpg
 
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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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