Browning Model BSS B-SS 20 Ga 26″ Modified/Imp. Cylinder SxS Shotgun, 1979
SOLD FOR: $2130
LSB#: 220219JN028
Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S
Serial Number: 02011RN168
Year of Manufacture: 1979
Gauge: 20 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. / ASSEMBLED IN KOREA WITH JAPANESE COMPONENTS” 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 “06” 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, “02011”, 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 line at the top, “NP”, “20”, “26”” and a double “**-” denoting Improved Cylinder choke. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked “02011RN168”. 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 “02011RN168” 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, 3.4 oz
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a flattened silver 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 Browning buttplate. There are several scattered light draglines and shallow compressions throughout the wood. The buttstock also shows a couple of scratches through the finish on either side of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks and the checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which hardly shows scattered light wear. The drop at the comb is about 1 1/2” and the drop at the heel is about 2 3/16”. The stocks rate in about Very Good 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 83% of its metal finish. The leading edges show light thinning. The lower tang shows light finish loss and faint oxidation. Faint oxidation can also be seen on the trigger guard and throughout the receiver. The barrels show some light scratches and a few scattered dings through the metal. There is scattered oxidation on the bottom of the forearm metal. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the automatic safety is applied upon moving the top lever. There is a selector switch at the rear of the trigger guard. 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 1979 and shows more signs of consistent use but was obviously well maintained. 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!