Browning Model BSS B/SS 20 Gauge 28″ Mod/Full Choke SxS Shotgun, MFD 1975

SOLD FOR: $2225

LSB#: 211006EG16

Make: Browning

Model: B-S/S

Serial Number: 5828B57

Year of Manufacture: 1975

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” and 3” Shells

Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Single Non-Selective Trigger and Ejectors

Markings: The left side of the left barrel is marked “”BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN AND ASSEMBLED IN KOREA” and the right side of the right barrel is marked “B-S/S SPECIAL STEEL 20GA. SHELLS – 2 ¾” AND 3””. The lug that retains the forearm is marked “P” on the left and “11 . 1” on the right. The underside of the left barrel is marked with a “1” and the underside of the right barrel is marked with a “3”. The left barrel flat is marked with an “H” contained in an interrupted circle, “5828”, a circled “SP” proof with three line at the top, “NP”, “20”, “28”” and a single “*” denoting Full choke. The right barrel flat is marked with a circled “SP” proof with three line at the top, “NP”, “20”, “28”” and a double “**” denoting Modified choke. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked “5828”. The left water table is marked with an “H” in an interrupted circle and in the recess between the water tables is marked “5828”. The underside of the receiver is marked with a circled “R” over “BROWNING” with scroll engraving on the trigger guard, sides of the receiver and barrel latch lever. Beneath the barrel latch lever “5828B57” is marked and “SAFE” is marked in a rectangle above the automatic safety.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: The right barrel is choked Modified and the left barrel is choked Full.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a flattened steel bead front sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a slightly enlarged forearm, pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a black Browning buttplate. There are a couple light scratches on the belly and a small nick on the right side of the belly. There are some other hardly notable lines and handling marks. If the condition of the wood wasn’t so nice, these marks might not even warrant mention. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the “BROWNING” marked black plastic buttplate that is in Fine condition. The drop at the comb is about 1 1/2” and the drop at the heel is about 2 3/16”. The cast is about neutral. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is a faint amount of erosion in the right bore.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks. There are a couple of minor nicks dispersed on the barrel. The receiver shows a plum hue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the automatic safety is applied upon moving the top lever. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Browning Side by Side or BSS as it’s known is famous for reliability and longevity. They are almost impossible to wear out. This example shows hardly any notable wear. It has a single non-selective trigger. It balances just ahead of the barrel hinge and points well with its 28” barrels. This would make a great field gun for the larger upland birds and a great cowboy action shooting side by side, if you were willing to subject this nice shotgun to such hard use. Please see our photos and good luck!