Browning Miroku BSS Sidelock 12 GA 26″ SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, MFD 1983
SOLD FOR: $3225
LSB#: 230314FM001
Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S Sidelock
Serial Number: 01369PX918
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Gauge: 12, chambered for 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Dual-Trigger Sidelock Double-Barrel Shotgun with Ejectors
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: Right: Modified, Fixed. Left: Improved Modified, Fixed.
Weight: 6lb 7.1oz
Sights/Optics: There is a flattened steel bead at the front of the rib.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered English select walnut featuring a splinter forend, straight wrist, fluted straight comb, and a textured orange rubber Pachmayr buttpad. the right side of the buttstock has a few very minor drag lines and a few light dings. The drop at the comb is approximately 1 3/4”, and the drop at the heel is approximately 2 3/8”. The LOP measures approximately 14 1/2” and 13 1/2” from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad. The pad has light staining wear. Overall, the stocks are Fine-plus-to-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion, but faint streaks of fouling can be seen in spots. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 9 out of 10!
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel assembly has a few minor scuffs and minor indications of operational wear. The coin parts are free of any excessive wear or damage (the flats of the water table do have light operational wear.) Screws are sharp, and pins and controls are undamaged. The markings are clear and the engraving is unmarred. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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, and 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. The Browning BSS pattern was produced by Miroku of Japan during the period between 1971-1988, and the Sidelock model was produced starting in the middle of that period. This example was manufactured in the first year of production and is of superlative quality. Free of any meaningful wear, it appears to have been gently and seldomly used by a considerate sportsman. Beautifully appointed with English walnut stocks and floral engraving, this will make a sterling field gun for the larger upland birds or a classy cowboy action double—though you may not want to allow such finery to suffer needless ignominy. Now, ready, aim, bid!
—Rick
