First Year Browning BT-99 BT99 2 ¾” 12 GA 34” Single Shot Trap Shotgun 1968

SOLD FOR: $1,528.00

LSB#: WY250205EB004

Make: Browning

Model: BT-99

Serial Number: 490D8

Year of Manufacture: 1968 (8 Date Code)

Gauge: 12 Ga 2 ¾” Shells

Action Type: Single Shot, Break Action, with Extractor and no safety.

Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN JAPAN”.  The left side of the barrel is marked ‘BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA-SHELLS 2 ¾”. The bottom of the forend as a letter “B” adhered to it. The inside of the forend iron is marked “490D8” and “490D8” on the wood. The bottom of the barrel is marked “480D8” with three proofs.  The middle of the barrel lug is marked “S”.  The tang is marked “480D8” under the lever.

Barrel Length: 34”.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a large white bead affixed to the rib. There is a smaller white mid bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for reducing glare.

Choke: Fixed, Improved Modified

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The furniture set is a two piece checkered wood set with a wide, tapered, beavertail style forend and a pistol grip straight comb stock with rubber vented Browning buttpad. The length of pull is 14.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The drop at comb is about 1.25” and drop at heel is about 1.5”. The cast is neutral. The shotgun weighs 8lbs 0.2oz.  There are some light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the furniture set on this shotgun is in Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The smooth bore is mirror bright and there is no visible erosion. There are a few almost invisible lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very light operation wear. There is some thinning and finish loss on the trigger guard and bottom tang. There is also some minor scattered handling wear and some rub wear from the forend on the barrel that is concealed when assembled. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall this shotgun is in Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is no safety on this shotgun.  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: None.

Our Assessment: The Browning BT-99 is a single-shot, break-action shotgun that has earned a reputation as one of the premier trapshooting firearms since its introduction in 1968. Chambered in 12 gauge with a 34″ barrel and a fixed IM choke, this particular model is designed specifically for the trapshooting discipline. The 34″ barrel length provides a longer sighting plane, which aids in precision when tracking and breaking clay targets, while the fixed full choke offers a dense shot pattern ideal for the longer ranges typical in trapshooting.

Browning’s craftsmanship is evident in the BT-99’s design and construction. The shotgun features a robust steel receiver for durability and balance, paired with a well-constructed barrel that delivers consistent performance. The stock and forend are crafted from high-grade walnut, finished to highlight the wood’s natural beauty. Its ergonomics are tailored for trapshooting, with a stock designed to facilitate a proper sight picture and comfortable shooting posture during long sessions on the range.

The BT-99 is celebrated for its simplicity and reliability, with a smooth, crisp trigger pull and robust extractor for spent shells. While it lacks the adjustability of higher-end competition shotguns, its fixed configuration appeals to shooters seeking a straightforward, no-nonsense design. Known for its longevity, this shotgun can withstand years of heavy use, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned trapshooters. Whether used for practice, competition, or simply enjoying a day on the range, the Browning BT-99 is a staple in the trapshooting community and an enduring symbol of quality and performance. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding! – L.S.