Waterfowl shotgun - Browning BPS ???

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warr0088

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Hey everyone,

I'm looking into buying a Browning BPS for waterfowl hunting, replacing an older Winchester model 1300. I have a few questions that need answering before a final decision though!

1. I want a gun that will last me 20 or 30 years, something with less maintenance (hence a pump action) - any experience with this shotgun ???? (I'm also a lefty, the bottom eject appealed to me ... although i've heard complaints)

2. I was also toying around with the idea of a 3 1/2" model, since its only a few extra bucks with Browning's promotion right now .... Although I only use 2 3/4" right now, I figure this may come in handy in the future if I hunt turkey or geese .... any feedback with the 3 1/2' ???? (I've heard it doesn't spit the 2 3/4" shells as well)

3. For another $100 I can go with the camo shadowgrass model .... I figured this would mean less oiling and more weatherproofing on the gun, although would scratching / cracking be an issue? Like I said, i'm thinking long term !!!!

4. Barrel length .... i've heard that there is no real difference between a 26" and a 28" barrel other than balance and swing ability .... does it basically boil down to whatever feels more comfortable ??? (I currently have a 28" barrel)

ANY HELP WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED !!!!

Chris.
 
Here is my experience with the Browning BPS product...

(1) one of my two BPS shotguns was a RUST BUCKET... Must have been a bad batch of steel or a poor blueing job...

(2) the vent rib on the BPS is VERY VERY FRAGILE... it WILL bend when you smack it against something... On my shotgun, it bent right to the barrel when it slipped from the upright position and hit the ground...

(3) Never ever had a problem with ejection on my bps models...

Now... the 3.5 inch chamber is a nice feature, you may never use it, but you just might have occassion (a goose hunt) where you will be wishing you had it... So, I'd say yes to the 3.5 inch chamber...

I prefer the 26 inch barrel, no loss in velocity and I require my shotgun to "do it all", so the 26 inch is more "uplandy"...

I'm not a fan of camo shotguns... not sure how the finish will stand up in the 20 to 30 year time period you stated... I'd go synthetic black...

Oh ya, currently, I've got a Benneli Nova, 26 inch barrel, 3.5 inch chamber... Tough as nails and has outperformed any other shotgun I have ever owned... It comes with 3 choke tubes to...

Cheers
Jay
 
1) I've had my 12 gauge 3 incher in blued finish, walnut stock since 1981 under various conditions and have not had any problems with rust - then again, I apply various weather proofing agents regularly.

No problems with bottom loading or eject - the magazine cut-out switch works well when wanting to switch chambered loads in a hurry.

I love it's amidextrous feature - no shells flying across my view and top tang safety is good.

Estimate it still has about 98-99% blueing left and the wood still looks great for a 25 year old shotty.

Vent rib - never had any problems with it even thought the gun has been banged on the rib.

2) Using the 3 inch chambered version, I've never seen a need to go for the 3.5 inch chambered version. One might consider it if one does significant long distance pass shooting, but the three incher will do ok up to 45 yards(my limit) if you practice regularly.

3) I've applied camo tape to my shotgun and haven't noticed any difference with it on or off - still had the birds come in. As for a camo finish - your preference.

4) I prefer the 28 inch barrel - swings better when I lead birds long distance. 26 inches is ok if you're getting mostly within 30 yards decoyed birds. I'd suggest trying examples of 26 inch, 28 inch, 30 inch at your local gunshop (if they have that kind of variety). 32 inch may also be interesting - if you can find one.

All that said, check them out at your gunshop but also check the other offerings available - Ithaca (bottom load/eject), Remington 870 (lefty version). These are the lefty friendly versions I'm aware of in pump action.

Make sure the stock fits you well with you wearing clothing that approximates what you'd be wearing when hunting.

If you're really wanting other lefty friendly options, don't rule out over/unders, side by sides or semi-autos as well.
 
thanks for the input .... ive heard of those nova's, haven't had the opportunity to see one though .... they are priced almost identical to the browning's, maybe i'll take a look at those too.
 
Mdbuckle posted this pic of his nova...

Cheers
Jay


33bd2za.jpg
 
Well i've used a BPS for years and the sold it. Decided i wanted to hunt with semi. I'm selling my semi's and going back to the BPS. I never had problems ejecting, no problems with rust (just regular maitaince).

As for a fragile vent rib, I disagree. I've thrown my BPS in boats, canoes etc, and never had a problem with bending. But that does not mean it could not happen.

26" vs 28" depends which is more comfortable for you. I'm now shooting a 22" instead of the 28" I used to shoot. But i'm looking for one in 26". But the longer works better for the farther out birds.

Hope you enjoy whatever you buy.
 
I'm a lefty and have 26" BPS and have had it for 21 yrs. It used to have a 32" barrel on it but I switched over to a 26" years ago. I personaly like the 26" becuase of how well it handles in the blind. I've patterned it against the 32" and have found no difference in how they pattern at longer distances. I've had no problems with it ever ejecting anything or with the rib or with rust ......and it gets used alot. If I ever buy another one it will be a 3 1/2" gun even though I'd dont see any real need for it even after 25 yrs of waterfowling but it would be nice to have the option for the difference in price. As for the camo I know severqal guys that have Browning and Winchesters that have thar rubber "Dura" type finsh. All of them get used a bunch and all of them have started to peel starting at the muzzle. Whats seems to happen is that as the gun is slips in and out of the case the finish wears around the end of the barrel and starts to peel from there. 2 of the guys contacted Winchester about it and their customer realtions people told them that it was becuase of wear and tear and not a flaw in the gun so is wasn't a warrenty issue. I'd go with the all black or a painted camo is you want a camo'd gun. Either way the BPS is a great gun and I'm sure one will give you many many years of use.

Tim
 
Awesome help guys, thanks .... checked out the BPS again and decided I really like it ... probably going to go with a wood finish and a 28" barrel since its what im used too
 
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