But, to "imply" that a Browning is a "throw-away" gun, is simply not correct.
I did NOT imply that.
The Browning Citori and BT-99 are arguably the most durable guns on the market, with maybe the 870 in there, too. Whether I like or dislike their handling characteristics does not change my opinion of their durability.
Just like the "snobbery" thing, it's silly to think that "I don't like the way X shoots" means ANYTHING else but that. I'm sure not the only person who finds a 12 Gauge Citori to be an unwieldy field gun compared to a most other fine shotguns. That does not mean I think they are "disposable."
HOWEVER... You're the kind of person I warned him about. You're telling him, in essence, that there's nothing to worry about if a used gun says "Browning" on it.
You are wrong. I have OWNED a Browning that had been shot to the point of worthlessness, and it had never been anywhere but A TRAP RANGE. (What else would you do with a BT, anyway?)
I was someone who made such a purchasing mistake, because I didn't know any better.
Now it wasn't
Browning's fault. And these weren't
light target loads. These were "Friday night trap games" loads, and they pounded the gun loose.
I did get it fixed, but only because a friend of mine owns two machine shops that do things like military contract work. As a personal favor to me (and indirectly to the seller, who was also a friend of his) he built up steel with a welding torch, and machined the bloc down to spec again. If I'd had to
pay for this work, the gun would have been a throwaway, not worth fixing.
I ended up selling it, but I told the buyer all about it. Not every seller will be so honest.
That does NOT mean I think that BT-99s are weak.
Let me make this clear: it DOES mean, if you're buying a used shotgun, you NEED to be aware of some things. New shotgunners will NOT be aware of these things, and while many used guns are a good deal, some others are being sold because their owners know that they're on their last legs.
The fact that a gun says "Browning" or "Beretta" on it does not guarantee the condition of a gun that has seen use and abuse, and abuse is not always obvious -- especially to the neophyte.
Old Benz sedans are legendary for their longevity. However, if you didn't know a good deal about cars, you'd consult someone who does, before paying for one, right? If you don't know a Browning's history, then the nameplate is no guarantee.
Caveat emptor. Don't get screwed.
That's all.
Whether the OP or anyone else likes a Browning's handling is his/her business. And my own opinion is mine. But I'm not stupid enough to confuse that with its durability, which is well-proven.