Browning BSS 20g, box lock

[tpellenb]

I visited a shop with my brother this past weekend to inspect an 67 browning superposed lightning which he claimed was in great shape and available for ~1600. I'm a pretty scrupulous person and the gun was indeed in outstanding shape. Can't believe that urethane was so fresh after so many years. And no worries regarding salt wood, no signs of rust or pitting anywhere. He bought the gun and life goes on.

... Except this shop also had a pristine condition miroku browning BSS box-lock pistol grip in 20g for $1500. I cannot emphasize how new this gun appeared, looks like it's never seen more than a box of shells. I didn't even know these existed and have been reading about them since the weekend. They're supposedly indestructible, and gaining value, this example being undervalued.

My question for you aficionados is this... Would you or wouldn't you buy this browning BSS? I don't need it, but I do want it, and it would see justifiable use.

 

[oneounceload]

If you want a heavy-for-gauge 20, then get it because they well made albeit heavy.

As to the Superposed, most came with an oil finish and the only way to tell salt wood is to pull the stock.

 

[1KPerDay]

I'd love one. I don't think I'd pay $1500 for one, though.

 

[COK]

In my area a nice 20ga BBS at that price would not be out of line. A well made SxS .

 

[Virginian]

If the barrel length was what I wanted and it had the single selective trigger, I would be interested. I have been offered $2,400 for my Sporter 20 BSS, but it isn't going anywhere. Out of all the SxSs I have owned, some costing a LOT more, only my BSS remains. I would like a Dickinson 28 if they ever get any in.

 

[reddrumtoo]

I bought One @ wannamacher show . I've owned 12 ga bss in the past , bought new for 200. been wanting a 20 for years , traded a benelli supersport & boot . It was new , unfired ,in box , w/ papers . I love it . Had to have it , got it. Shoots like a dream.

 

[huntsman]

If you want it buy it and shoot it. I've got an early BSS 12 that I love, I just don't get the crazy prices for these guns.

 

[tpellenb]

To stir the pot a little...

It's got 26" barrels and is choked improved cylinder and modified though I think most were.

Seems a lot of folks prefer the sporter grip, but I'm so used to pistol grips that it felt really natural in hand. All of my shooting experience is with over-unders so mounting and swinging it contributed greatly to my desire. I put a lot of rounds through my guns so the robust build on this is attractive. Really want it to survive the test of time.

 

[eastbank]

i am the second owner of this 20ga 3" bss sporter made in 1976-1977 with 28" mod and full choked barrels with single select trigger and ejectors. it weights less than seven pounds and is a joy to hunt with(its on a smaller frame than the 12ga) and i have not had any problems with it over the years. its my favorite walking small game shotgun. i think they sold for 350-400 in the 70,s and with inflation of the 70,s dollars it may be a good buy. eastbank deep in amish country.

 

[Armored farmer]

If I were still tromping along behind a bird dog during November and December I'd be really interested.
Nothing like a sxs for upland hunting.

 

[safarihunter]

I love the 20 ga guns for upland hunting. Always felt I needed a SxS. Maybe someday I will scratch that itch

 

[Kingcreek]

I've got a 20g BSS 26" pistol gripped like new and choked IC/M
(I better make sure it's still in the safe!)
Seriously, it is very well made solid shotgun with no faults other than being a little on the heavy side as mentioned. They handle quite well.
I've also got an early BSS 12g w 26" tubes, non select trigger, choked IC/M that killed a truckload of pheasants over many seasons. It's finally loosening up a little in the action so I no longer have to break it open over my knee or forearm. When new, these things tend to be very tight fitting actions. I haven't checked prices in years but I'm glad to hear they're gaining some value.

 

[loose noose]

I've got a 20ga. Sporter with select trigger with full and modified choked 26" barrels. Do love that gun, and haven't noticed the weight to be too excessive. I bought the gun brand spanking new around '74 or so at Grant's Boys in Anaheim, California. The gun still looks like it is brand new except for the wear around the lower receiver. The stock on mine is definitely walnut, however, it is a very lightly colored wood. If there is any interest in this gun I'll post a picture of it, but it is definitely not up for sale at any price. There is quite a story behind that, but I won't bore you folks.

 

[tpellenb]

Reading these posts doesn't help. I decided to wait two weeks and see how I feel. If I've still got the itch in two weeks and the gun's in the shop I'll buy.

 

[J-Bar]

I don't own one, but the BSS is highly prized by cowboy action shooters for its mechanical connector (as opposed to the SKB's inertial connector) and for it's uncluttered chamber openings which allow quick reloads. You wouldn't lose much if any money re-selling it to a cowboy.

 

[DM~]

Unless it was EXACTLY what "I" wanted, I'd never buy it, especially for that price!

First of all, I'd want MY 20ga. lighter, no beavertail fore end and double triggers, AND i'd much rather pay even more, to get exactly what I wanted.

DM

 

[Panzerschwein]

My Dad has a mint-condition, 100% BSS 20 ga. w/ 26" bbls. Single trigger. Ejectors.

My God. It is sweet.

IMHO, buy it.