16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 311

Just left the Browning web site and they are listing a 16 gage BPS in the "shot show" special section. Sadly, the guns weigh 7lb 10 oz with 26 inch barrel. Seems like Browning did not learn a thing from Remington's failed attempt to market too heavy 16's.

Joined: 19 Jun 2004 Posts: 1480 Location: Mpls, MN.

And, sadder still, the gun is a BPS. Poor execution of the classic JM Browning design.

Sit tight, the Ithaca people are working on one that matters...
Best,
Ted

I'll be horn swoggled. Remember back last spring we debated the matter of why Browning has not attempted this with the 20 ga BPS frame? too bad they did not take advantage of an alloy reciever, since the barrel sports a modern extention for the bolt to lock up in.

However, I'm tickled pink that they even tried. I called the corporate office then and suggested them looking into the matter. Now, if we can just gently bump them into a second try with an eye on reducing weight, we might still have a winner. Thanks for the much welcomed heads up there CFT.

As for the usual doom and gloom nay sayers among us---PPLLUUURRBBB!!! Laughing

Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 22

I just got back from the SHOT Show, and took a close look at the BPS 16 ga.

It feels no different from a 20 ga. BPS, and absolutely is built on the 20 ga. profile, using the 20 ga. buttstock, etc.-- and is far lighter than a 12 ga. BPS.

The BPS is one of the best-built pumps made today-- if not the best built pump. Not much compares with a nice steel receiver between the hands.

The Browning website lists the 16 as a "shot show only" item, not carried in the catalog. The 16's weight is listed as essentially the same as the 3" 12 ga. at 7 lbs. 10 oz, while the 20's weight is 6 lbs. 12 oz, nearly a pound lighter. The 16 may in fact be built on the 20 frame, but some stooge in marketing didn't get the word.

Why can't American gun manufacturers get their collective heads out of their collective azzes and get something right for a change?

Member Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 398 Location: S Fl

Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 22

A Japanese made gun from a Belgian company is not my version of the "American" gun industry.

Most BPS's I've shot / owned including 28 ga. have been 7 lb. guns more or less, with only the 12 ga. substantially heavier. The 16 ga. BPS feels like like a 20 or 28.

Randy,
You're right of course. Browning is not domestic, but my point remains; getting the specs on the website incorrect could dampen any response the new 16 might get.

Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 22

Well, this is what they look like . . . Cool

Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 166

I've never loved the feel of the BPS due to a long reach to the forearm for me, but if they came out with a 16ga on 20frame BPS I'd be all over it. I believe an English stock version would be especially cool, but not necessarily with a 23" barrel. I do think the BPS is a bargain when you consider they sell for $425 and Wingmasters go for $550...with the BPS typically having nicer wood and bluing. I say this being a Wingmaster fan, but facts is facts. Have to cross fingers and hope they start producing them.

Out at Brownings site this show the sixteen in 16 gauge with a 26 or 24" barrel with a straight stock. I have a 12 gauge BPS with a straight stock with 28" and 22" barrels. If I can find away I would buy one with the 26" barrel and straight stock.(16 gauge that is)

Member Joined: 23 Aug 2004 Posts: 98 Location: Ballwin, MO

I called Browning customer service about the 16 ga BPS. It is made on the 20 ga frame. Nominal bore diameter is .667 and comes with Invector chokes, not Invector Plus.
When I asked about weight, I got the standard "weight will vary with wood density and barrel length, but should be about what the 20 ga is since it is made on a 20 ga frame." This is in line with Randy Wakeman's observation about the gun. Now all I have to do is decide if I want a Citori 16 ga, or just get the BPS and a lot of ammo for the same money!

Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 166

English stock guns have always felt a bit odd to me, but recently I found a 20ga BPS at a gun shop with English stock and I liked it. I believe I'd opt for the 26" Upland Special 16ga BPS when/if it comes out. Considering the quality of gun for the price in today's market, I hope they sell a bunch of them. I've never owned a BPS so it's as good as an excuse of any to buy one Razz

Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 22

THe Upland version is out-- and was at the SHOT Show was well.

Joined: 15 Oct 2004 Posts: 787 Location: Indiana

Just make sure you can shoot a straight grip shotgun if you get the upland special---they don't handle the same if you're used to a pistol grip on your pump...