870 vs BPS

[SwampWolf]

I'm trying to decide between a Remington 870 and a Browning BPS. The gun will be used for waterfowl and turkey hunting so I want some kind of camo-color. I prefer a steel receiver and I require a 3 1/2" 12 ga. chamber, a 26" or 28" barrel and sling swivel studs already mounted on the stock.

I'd appreciate any opinions/inputs on choosing between these two guns (preferably from people who have had experience with one or both). I admit to be leaning toward the BPS due to the tang-mounted safety and the current $75.00 rebate offered. Thanks.

 

[MCgunner]

Well, I know there are a lot of 870 fans here, but IMHO there is no comparison in smoothness or function, the BPS is an awesome shotgun. It has no loading gate in the way, tang safety, smoothest pump action in the business (Ithaca design). It's a little higher priced, but a lot nicer pump gun. If I had the scratch, that's what I'd be shootin' instead of a Mossberg 500 on waterfowl, I can tell ya that! An 870 will do the job, no question, I just think the BPS is a lot nicer shotgun. Heck, my Mossberg does the job and has been doing it for 15 years.

I don't like anything in the way of the magazine on a waterfowl gun, hurts when your thumb is numb from cold and pinches a heavy winter glove when loading. I also shoot left handed and prefer tang safeties to crossbolt. It's not a matter of the 870 not being functional or a nice enough gun in its own right, just that I prefer the BPS and the thing really is smooth to operate compared to the Remington or Mossberg. The BPS is a little heavy, but that's a good thing in a waterfowl gun. You ain't talkiin' skeet shootin' here. Ducks over deeks don't require quick shouldering (though some of those early morning teal can get you goin'). The Browning swings smooth and soaks up a little more recoil with its weight.

 

[Oldnamvet]

I have had and used them both. I don't think you could go wrong here on your decision. It will depend on how they personally fit you, how they feel to you, and getting the options you want. I do like the tang mounted safety though, especially if you are wearing heavy gloves. Bottom ejection is nice too if someone is in the blind to your right. They appreciate not being pelted with empties when you rack it.

 

[Milkmaster]

If I remember right, the Browning is a bottom eject like my old Ithaca 37. I like to use it when hunting because I don't eject a shell into my partner's collar who is to the right of me! He appreciates it as well! He hunts with an Auto Browning and is always on my right side 'cause I don't want that hot shell in my collar as well! Browning designed the bottom eject before Ithaca started making it. The newer BPS models are made in Japan if that helps or hinders you decision. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Fred Fuller]

BPS is a pain to clean, 870 is a LOT easier to field strip.

lpl/nc

 

[schultz's honor]

I bought a Browning about 12 years ago.
Love it.
Best pump I have ever owned.
The only shotgun that I own that gets more use is my Silver Pidgeon 20

 

[koja48]

I'm a lefty, so I prefer the BPS for the tang safety, but both are great pumps.

 

[theCZ]

The BPS is going to be heavier, but that's great for those hard recoiling turkey and waterfowl loads. I really love my BPS, but the 870 is a great shotgun too. I admit to being biased as a lefty, I'm probably going to pick up a 20ga bps tomorrow to go with my 28ga one. Mine was extraordinarily smooth right out of the box.

 

[NewZealander]

I have owned both a 870 Wingmaster LC and now a Browning BPS Hunter. Both are fine guns. The BPS is heavier and while I have found this limiting on quail it has enhanced my duck and pheasant shooting - smoother consistent swing?? Also, I used to short shuck the Rem occassionly in fast action resulting in a jam (ie case stuck halfway out the ejection port etc). I know this is my error and not the guns however I have never short shucked the BPS no matter how fast I have been racking it and for this reason my vote goes to the BPS.
NZER

 

[glockdude]

I own a 870 super mag and love it. I primarily use it for turkey but I got it mainly becouse I had a lot of problems out of my bps with shell extraction on some loads. I hunt dove geese duck turkey deer and varmints with it. No problems from any load or shell brand. and for less than 400 new it was a good choice for me.

 

[stevehaun]

I bought a BPS. I shoot left handed and I like the location of the tang safety. I think the location of the 870 safety is in a poor location, ergonomically speaking. However, millions of 870 owners will disagree with me. BPS is harder to clean but after you do it once or twice it really is not that daunting. As others have said, you will be happy with either choice.

 

[SwampWolf]

Thanks for all the interesting and informative replies. Looks like my decision will be based on personal likes and dislikes and, of course, the cost factor. I do have a question for you folks that said that the Bowning is harder to clean than the Remington. Do you mean that the Browning is more difficult to "field" strip (for basic cleaning chores and routine maintenance) or are you referring to a "detail" strip (tearing the gun down for more a more thorough cleaning and/or repair) or both?

 

[ArmedBear]

The difference between a "field strip" and a "detail strip" on an 870 is pushing out the two pins that hold the trigger group in the receiver, with a stick. The distinction between the two is blurry, to say the least.

I don't have a BPS or Ithaca, so someone else will have to speak for them.

 

[stevehaun]

I guess I was referring to detail strip. Specificially, removing the trigger group and other innards (obviously I am not a gunsmith) from the reciever. It was difficult the first time or two, but now I am not intimidated to take it apart.
As far as basic maintenance such as removing the barrel, magazine spring, etc, it is very similar to an 870.