Browning BSS 20 ga.

Dakotazeb

Dakotazeb

Well-known member
Well guys, I finally bought the gun I have been wanting ever since I sold one in the mid 1980's. I think I've posted my desire for another BSS on this site in the past. Now I'm going to have to sell a couple guns I don't use to pay for it but I'm happy to again have a BSS.

I bought it on GunBroker and you can check it out on this link: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/754187314
 
Nice gun, George.

When/what will will this gun be used for? Dog training? Sharp tail? Looks like a fast mount gun...

Curious.
 
Wow !! I have one just like yours George. Bought it because it didn't fit my tall lanky friend & he wanted to get rid of it. This was 30 years ago. Hardly use it tho. It certainly has appreciated in value. You made my day. Thanks. Another George. We met one day a few years back for lunch on my way thru going to Eureka pheasant hunting.
 
Nasty-G said:
Wow !! I have one just like yours George. Bought it because it didn't fit my tall lanky friend & he wanted to get rid of it. This was 30 years ago. Hardly use it tho. It certainly has appreciated in value. You made my day. Thanks. Another George. We met one day a few years back for lunch on my way thru going to Eureka pheasant hunting.
Click to expand...

I remember you well. You also got a Brittany, right? We need to get together for a hunt this fall.
 
Yes. You have a good memory. Hunted last fall but there were virtually no birds in the area I hunt due to hail & ice. Also back issues prevented me hunting as I usually do. I only got 2 shots & missed both !! Unless we have a great hatch I'm not really very optimistic for this year. The pup is going to get some birds this summer. Keep in touch. The other George.
 
Nasty, do you know what your BSS Sporter weighs? I can't find anything definite on the internet but from what I have found it should be approx. 6.5 to 6.75 lbs. I think that is about an idea weight. Heavy enough to absorb some recoil and not too heavy to carry. I'll have to weigh mine when I get it. I'm having it sent to my FFL in South Dakota so it will be 3+ weeks before I'm back and be able to pick it up. What I paid was more than I wanted to spend but this gun is like NIB. I've been seeing these Sporters going for over $2k.
 
Congrats on your "new" BSS. I ha Sporter 2so that I used for years. Great gun reliable, tough and good shooter. Never had a problem or issue with it. I gifted it to my oldest son and he uses it quite a bit.

I want to wish you many happy and healthy years shooting her.

Best,

Greg
 
Zeb. 6 lbs 11.9 oz. on my postal scale. I did put on a Kickeez Sporting pad on it. Haven't shot it enough to have an opinion on recoil. When I first got it I was really slaying woodcock. I have too many shotguns to get very good with any one of them.
 
Congrats on the new shooter George, I'm sure it will fit and handle well for you. I really like my bss 12.
 
George those BSS's are under rated.They will outlast anything on the market.
I have a 12 in sporter 28" barrels have had the chokes opened to imp and mod.Who says you can't shoot sporting clays with a sxs ? You can with this one,and I have been using it for 30 yrs, never missed a beat weighs almost 8 lbs.I have had tons of offers for it over the years,would never sell it.I also have a 20, it is not a sporter,one of the earlier ones without the selector.26" barrels pistol grip and weighs 7 1/2 lbs on a a postal scale.Heavy for a 20 but bank vault solid.A little heavy for all day walking,but truth be told, I mostly hunt half days,either mornings or afts.The finish on barrels and wood have not faded ,I bought it sometime around 1977 used.In my book that's class.Cant ask more from a shotgun.With 3" it kills pheasants dead as dead at 40 yds with either barrel and very little kick thanks to it's weight,pistol grip,and beaver tail forend .With 7/8 oz 1145fps loads my grandkids can shoot it all day.
 
couliewalker said:
George those BSS's are under rated.They will outlast anything on the market.
I have a 12 in sporter 28" barrels have had the chokes opened to imp and mod.Who says you can't shoot sporting clays with a sxs ? You can with this one,and I have been using it for 30 yrs, never missed a beat weighs almost 8 lbs.I have had tons of offers for it over the years,would never sell it.I also have a 20, it is not a sporter,one of the earlier ones without the selector.26" barrels pistol grip and weighs 7 1/2 lbs on a a postal scale.Heavy for a 20 but bank vault solid.A little heavy for all day walking,but truth be told, I mostly hunt half days,either mornings or afts.The finish on barrels and wood have not faded ,I bought it sometime around 1977 used.In my book that's class.Cant ask more from a shotgun.With 3" it kills pheasants dead as dead at 40 yds with either barrel and very little kick thanks to it's weight,pistol grip,and beaver tail forend .With 7/8 oz 1145fps loads my grandkids can shoot it all day.
Click to expand...

I've had two BSS guns in the past a 12 and a 20. They both had 26" tubes choked IC/Mod. I sold both and have always regretted selling the 20. I agree, built like a tank. Probably one of the better SxS's ever made. The only downfall was the weight. The 12 ga. I had was a load to carry. This 20 ga. Sporter is suppose to be a little lighter, under 7 lbs. I'm hoping 6.5 - 6.75 lbs. That would be ideal.
 
My FFL back in South Dakota got the BSS yesterday and called me. They unpacked it and inspected the gun. They said it was "like new" without one blemish. I'm really anxious to get back from Arizona and see it, but that won't be for another 3 weeks. :(
 
Got back home to South Dakota last night and picked up the BSS Sporter this morning. I was not disappointed. It's in 99% condition. If it shoots as good as it looks it will really be a winner. The first test will be next weekend at a NSTRA trial.
 
Just read an article in Shotgun Life about the history of the BSS and the Winchester Model 21. Very interesting read and a real treasure of a gun. It will draw some attention I bet. Keep it in the safe. Ha
 
mgorvi said:
Just read an article in Shotgun Life about the history of the BSS and the Winchester Model 21. Very interesting read and a real treasure of a gun. It will draw some attention I bet. Keep it in the safe. Ha
Click to expand...

One statement that I totally disagree with in the article is that he said he had a 20 ga. BSS and he thought it "weighed about 8 lbs and it was no upland gun for sure". That's totally BS (no pun intended). I would say most weighed in the 7 lb. range. The Sporter like mine should be in the 6.5-6.75 lb. area. Maybe a tab heavy compared to some of today's light weight guns but I think the weight also helps reduce felt recoil and that something in the 6.5-7.0 lb. range is ideal.
 
For some reason I am not shooting this BSS very well. I bought it to use at my NSTRA trials and I can't afford to be missing birds. I'm not one to collect guns so I may consider selling it. Just want to get my money back out of it. If anyone on this site is interested please let me know before I post it on GunBroker.com It's a beautiful little gun in "like new" condition.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top