Milkmaster
Member
My 12Ga BPS rivals any other shotgun in my stable of 14 for functionality, fit, and finish. Great proven pump gun in my experience. In the end, get what YOU like!
While working in the firearms retail industry I saw more BPS's with problems, than most any other SG. They are beautiful, no question about that. But they have had a number of recalls
Ithaca makes Model 37 in 16ga. Unfortunately just like the BPS the gun is a 16ga crowbar (aka 7lb+ 16ga). Sadly the only standouts in Ithaca shotgun offerings is 12ga Wildfowler or the Hog Hunter or Hog Slayer.I'll be following this thread as I'm looking for a new manufacture non-semi 16g with screw in chokes. I think the BPS is the only one without spending huge money on a SxS or OU.
Steel and walnut is going to be heavier than birch and aluminum.
The bottom ejection is nice for hunting in a blind or boat with other people, and I like the location of the safety and action release better than the Remington, of course that is just my personal preference.
One of my quail hunting buddies has a bps. At least a couple times per season he fails to get off a second shot because he gripped the forearm too far back and his hand caused a failure to eject.
Actually most of those come in close to 6.5lb. It isn't to say there aren't extra light all steel Ithaca 37s out there. My 12ga 3" magnum with 27" barrel comes in at 6&3/4lb which is pretty light for gun of this type.The Nev;
You might consider finding an older 16ga Ithaca Model 37 and have chokes installed by reputable outfit such as Briley. The older ones are scaled to gauge and a real pleasure to carry, weighing in somewhere around the 6lb.+ mark.
I love the 1957 vintage 16ga. that I came across a few years ago for $200 in really good shape. It is a 28" fixed Mod. choke and suits me fine in that configuration.
Something to consider if you decide to do this is look for a 30" full choke gun and bob it back to 28" to gain a little barrel thickness. They are pretty thin at the muzzle.
And the BPS is responsible for this operator error?
That's apples and oranges, those Benellis are semiautos. Speaking of pumps, the BPS is an upgrade from the Nova. The pump action Benellis work fine, just their fit and finish is in a different category. (Edit: Supposed to be. Not my BPS...)My go to Waterfowl and Turkey gun is a BPS for almost 20 years. A 12 Ga. would do just as well but in 12 ga. You can go Benelli (I like the Super 90 series best my self all though I would not kick a Black Eagle out of bed) and be done with it too in 12 gauge . BPS is hard to beat for me as a waterfowl/turkey gun, but other hunting would have me using other tools as would defense. A 24"-26" Benelli or other reliable auto 12 ga. is indeed hard to fault as the best overall choice.