Browning Model BSS B-SS B-S/S 26″ MOD/IC 20 GA SxS Double Shotgun, MFD 1973
SOLD FOR: $1975
LSB#: 220527CW002
Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S
Serial Number: 5693B37
Year of Manufacture: 1973
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” 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 the right side of the right barrel is marked “B-S/S SPECIAL STEEL 20 GA. SHELLS – 2 ¾” AND 3””. The lug that retains the forearm is marked “P” on the left and “3-23” 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, “5693B37”, a circled “SP” proof with three lines at the top, “NP”, “20”, “26”” and “**” denoting Modified choke. The right barrel flat is marked with an “H” contained in an interrupted circle, circled “SP” proof with three lines at the top, “NP”, “20”, “26”” and “**-” denoting Improved Cylinder choke. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked “5693B37”. The left water table is marked with an “H” in an interrupted circle and in the recess between the water tables is marked “11”. 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 “5693B37” is marked and “SAFE” 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: 6 lbs, 11.3 oz
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front of the rib. 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 Browning buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, more in the buttstock than the forend and with a few in the otherwise well-defined checkering. There is a knot in the left of the comb which has a three-armed grain-line crack. There are no chips or other cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. The drop at the comb is about 1 5/8” and the drop at the heel is about 2 1/2″. The stocks rate in Very Good-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 96% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine 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 was manufactured in 1973 and shows signs of infrequent and responsible use. It has a single non-selective trigger, 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!