Browning Miroku Model BSS B-SS 28” 20 Ga SxS Double Barrel Shotgun MFD 1983
SOLD FOR: $2782
LSB#: 230602PB001
Make: Browning
Model: B-SS
Serial Number: 05223PX168
Year of Manufacture: 1983
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” & 3” Chamber
Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Single Selective Inertia 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 “7” on the right. The underside of the left barrel is marked “1” and the underside of the right barrel is marked “3”. The left barrel flat is marked with an “H” contained in an interrupted circle, “05223”, a circled “SP” proof with three lines at the top, “NP”, “20”, “28”” and “*”. The right barrel flat is marked with a circled “SP” proof with three lines at the top, “NP”, “20”, “28”” and “**”. The forend iron is marked “05223”. The left water table is marked with an “H” in an interrupted circle and in the recess between the water tables is marked “223”. The underside of the receiver is marked “®” over “BrowninG” with scroll engraving on the trigger guard, sides of the receiver and barrel latch lever. Beneath the barrel latch lever “05223PX168” is marked and “SAFE” is marked above the automatic safety.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The left barrel is designated as Full and the right barrel as Modified, both are Fixed.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel-colored bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. The rib is serrated to help reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lbs, 10.1 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a beavertail forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a black Browning buttplate. There is a notable ding at the heel. There are a couple of faint spots of discoloration on the belly. The upper right edge of the forearm shows a minor scuff towards the rear. A few faint lines are visible throughout the wood. The checkering is quite sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the buttplate. The plate shows faint wear with scattered little marks on the face. The drop at the comb is about 1 3/8” and the drop at the heel is about 2 5/16”. The cast is neutral. The stocks are in Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are both bright. There are just a couple of faint streaks of fouling in either. In this writer’s opinion, these bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. Each receiver flanks has a small spot of dried grease. There are some small freckles of oxidation near the muzzles on the barrel set. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in its original matching box with a manual.
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 has obviously been well maintained. It has a single selective trigger in the rear of the trigger guard for easy access and balances at 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!
-Greenfield
