Feedback on Browning BPS 20 ga.

[cagrif3]

My son is ready to move-up from his youth model 870 20 gauge with 22" barrel to a longer 20 gauge. Had considered a 16 gauge but the 20 gauge ballistics with a 3" shell is superior to a 16 (no 3" shells for a 16). He shoots lefty so I think the bottom ejecting BPS will be a good fit. I am hoping that readers can provide some comments on their experiences with the BPS either good or bad. :help:

Thanks

[Raul G]

I bought a good friend's BPS 20 gauge three years ago, it has especially fine wood. Like my other two BPS 12 gauges, it is smooth shucking and so far flawless shooting. I've used 3" shells, #4 and #2 steel shot and over the decoys it brings down the ducks yessir. I've used the supplied modified choke wth good results, nary a cripple. I have used an 870 in the past and I would rate the BPS quality and function significantly above the Remington's. I just bought a Benelli Supernova 12 ga. to add to my arsenal; I've had Beretta, Remington, and Winchester autos and while they were better in absorbing recoil, I feel that I have become a more patient, focused shooter using the pumps and I think it would be a great way to start for your son. The price of a new BPS is also reasonable.

[swilli1054]

I'v BPS had a 12ga BPS since 1981. I've found it to a great shotgun. I have no complaints at all. I've known a couple of BPS owners that have thought that reassembling after cleaning can be a challenge (the trigger group has to engage the feed pawls...and...the feed pawls will usually not want to stay in place:tongue1:) I found no problem getting used to the reassembly myself.

Bottom ejection and top tang safety are very nice.

I would like to get an upland 20ga BPS....Beautiful shotgun!

[duckbone]

You could put the regular stock on the 870 instead of the youth stock.

[cagrif3]

Thanks for the feedback. Now to find a reasonably priced used gun that is in serviceable condition. I guess I will be attending some gun shows this Winter/Spring....Not such a bad thing!

Cheers :occasion14

cagrif3

[BlindHog]

Son has BPS. Occasional problems shucking 3" but he likes it. Around here all we need is 2.75 anyway.

Do not buy a 16 -- I have one I love but it's hard to get steel (or really any shells) for one, even online. And then the load is 15/16 oz. You are right that 3" makes 20 ga viable option. I only use the 16 in the slough on hand to hand combat with woodies.

[BigBlockFalcon]

Do not buy a 16 -- I have one I love but it's hard to get steel (or really any shells) for one, even online. And then the load is 15/16 oz. You are right that 3" makes 20 ga viable option. I only use the 16 in the slough on hand to hand combat with woodies.


I have a Winchester 16 ga and Bass Pro always has 16ga steel shot. But I use a Rem 870 wingmaster but I'm looking into getting a new gun because I really don't want this gun getting beaten up anymore than it has.

[brightlights]

Not sure if you want to keep your son on a pump or if he is ready for an auto.

My son shoots lefty also...He moved up from a mossberg 500 youth to a beretta 301 that has been in the family w/ 26" barrel. The stock is 1/2 shorter (factory) and it shoots 2 & 3/4......I had it threaded and added an carlstons IC steel choke.

He shoots Kent #4 and kills anything that comes over the dekes.

Something to think about.

[FLAWaterfowler]

Blindhog thats cause youve got an A5 Sweet 16. Lord, I love mine...it just will cost a fortune to shoot cause she's old and wont take steel. As soon as the cheap Bismuth I found runs out Ill have to bite the proverbial bullet and stock up ... still got about 15 boxes left so that'll last me for a few more woody shoots and small pond frolics...

BTW,I was able to pick up three flats of RGLs 7.5's in 16ga for ... heheheh .... 4.99 / box. Kid at the counter said 7 a box. Girl at the register said 4.99. I scurried back there and cleaned 'em out. On top of that I got a 10% case discount. Less than 50 a flat, tax included.

Come on , Dove season, get here already !

[BlindHog]

Used to shoot Kent Matrix thru it when it was cheaper but gave that up when it went to $30 for a ten-round box.

I shoot whatever steel I can scrape in 16 ga. I know I shouldnt shoot steel thru it, but did that for 20+ years before I heard about the barrel bulge issue. No barrel bulge so far. On other forums I asked and learned that most such problems occur in full choke guns. Mine is modified so maybe that is how I have gotten away with it.

Alsop it's no museum piece, quite the opposite. In fact that stock is so beat up I am likely to refinish it this offseason. Has the traditional A5 cracked forearm. Actually have two of those. I know in terms of value that refinishing is a no-no but my homemade stock refinish jobs have been good so far. This one is my brother's childhood gun so will likely never sell anyway.

Still its a Sweet gun so I keep it going. As a backup gun its actually had to be put in service this year due to couple of malfunctioning other guns.

[tailfisher17t]

About the BPS, My dad shoots a BPS 12Ga, I shoot a BPS 12Ga (until last year when my gf Rhiannon took it from me and now will never give it back) and I also have a BPS 20Ga I use for doves. I would say that hands down the best pump shot gun I have ever owned and you dont have to worry about hitting the person next to you with spent shells.

This year I am shooting an O/U but this summer I plan on getting a Benelli M2 or SBE 2.

Jeff Nelson

[backcast]

I know it's off topic, but we've cycled a few Ithaca 20ga Featherlights through the family without a glitch. bottom eject

[FLAWaterfowler]

Ahh the Ithaca model 37. My dad had one forever..when he passed away my older brother got it and I got his 39/A .22

I found a M37 at a good price and took the plunge. A '58 and I was a bit leery buying it off the net. Looks like it came out of the box yesterday. Amazingly good (and original) condition. Hope I can get over this illness before season's end and take her hunting.

Oh, and backcast, dont let that squabble on FW keep you at bay...theyve been going round and round and I was enjoying your posts.

JM