Browning BSS B-S/S 12 Ga 26″ M/IC Cased Double Barrel SxS Shotgun, MFD 1983
SOLD FOR: $3000
LSB#: 210924SS07
Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S
Serial Number: 02222PX158
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” and 3” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Single 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 the right side of the right barrel is marked “B-S/S SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS – 2 ¾” AND 3””. The lug that retains the forearm is marked “NP” on the left and “10” on the right. The underside of the left barrel is marked with a “3” and the underside of the right barrel is marked with a “4”. The left barrel flat is marked with an “H” contained in an interrupted circle, “02222”, a circled “SP” proof with three line at the top, “NP”, “12”, “26”” and “**” denoting Modified choke. The right barrel flat is marked with an “H” contained in an interrupted circle, circled “SP” proof with three line at the top, “NP”, “12”, “26”” and a double “**_” denoting Improved Cylinder choke. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked “02222”. The left water table is marked with an “H” in an interrupted circle and in the recess between the water tables is marked “222”. 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 “02222PX158” is marked and “S” is marked above the automatic safety.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: The right barrel is choked Improved Cylinder and the left barrel is choked Modified.
Weight: 7 lbs, 5.9 oz
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a flattened steel bead front sight. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a beavertail forearm, straight grip and comb, and a black synthetic Browning buttplate. The checkering appears unmarred and there are no chips, cracks or scratches in either stock. There are a few sparsely scattered compressions and draglines, the most notable being on the left side of the wrist. 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, which hardly shows any wear. The drop at the comb is about 1 5/8” and the drop at the heel is about 2 5/16”. 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.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels show sparse light marks. The lever shows a plum hue. There is light thinning on the edges of the guard. 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: Included is a brown leather Browning hard case that is in about Fine condition.
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 was manufactured in 1983 and shows more signs of storage wear than shooting. It has a single selective trigger with the selector in the rear of the trigger guard where it is easy to access. It balances just ahead of the barrel hinge and points well with its 26” 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!