- Location
- Terrace, BC
I recently purchased a brand new Browning BT-99 Golden Clays shotgun to shoot trap. The wood & finish was gorgeous. Out of the box, the Forearm was attached to the barrel. The take down level was incredibly difficult to open and release. The tight fit was at first glance, not something to be concerned with.
However, the take down lever would not close and the Forearm could not be reattached to the barrel.
Fortunately, I was able to take the shotgun to a good friend with decades of experience repairing and correcting shotguns. The attached picture, with arrows points, shows where he had to file down the barrel Forearm receiving plate (lack of better term). The numbers 5, 10, & 20 refer to approximately the thousands of an inch that were required to be filed down, so the Forearm would once again attach to the barrel, and the take down level would close shut.
The gun is perfect now.
I was somewhat shocked that direct from Browning, brand new, such a shotgun would require such evasive work, in order to be put together and function.
I would be rather hesitant to consider any future Browning shotguns. A look around online shows the problem is somewhat common, and is a function of just how tightly and precise the gun is fit together.
On Sunday I look forward to shooting the BT-99 for the first time at the gun range. I forsee no issues.
The dressed up Golden Clays shotgun was my choice because it fit me well, and I fell in love with the design, wood, etc. It is my dream trap gun, and I look forward to enjoying it for years to come, indeed, a lifetime.
I enjoy trap as a very imperfect novice.... My intent is for the love of the sport, with no interest in competition. Aside from the forearm fitting grief, I am very pleased with my purchase. Truly, I did not expect a headache from the gun, brand new.
