Browning Model BSS B-S/S Sidelock Grade II 12GA SxS 26″ Double Shotgun 1983
SOLD FOR: $3850
LSB#: 221219JR072
Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S Sidelock Grade II
Serial Number: 01069PX918
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Double Triggers 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””. The lug that retains the forearm is marked “2” 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, “01069”, 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 “01069”. The left water table is marked with an “H” in an interrupted circle and the serial number. The underside of the receiver is marked with a circled “R” over “BrowninG” with scroll engraving on the trigger guard, throughout the receiver, and barrel latch lever.
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: The right barrel is choked Improved Cylinder and the left barrel is choked Modified.
Weight: 10 lbs, 1.7 oz
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a flattened steel bead front sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a splinter forearm, straight grip and comb, and checkering at the rear of the buttstock. 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 right side of the buttstock. If the condition of the wood wasn’t so nice, these marks might not even warrant mention. The LOP measures 14 1/4” & 13 1/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttstock. 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 about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels & Coined Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels and receiver show sparse light marks. 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. Browning BSS sidelock was offered from 1983-1987. Even though these Holland & Holland-pattern side-by-sides were very well made, they weren’t big sellers. This example was manufactured in 1983 and shows more signs of storage wear than shooting. It has double triggers and the safety engages automatically upon opening the gun. 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!
-Greenfield
