Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S
Serial Number: 03516PM168
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” and 3” Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Single Non-Selective Trigger (mechanical) 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 "NP” and "4". The underside of the left barrel is marked with a “1”, and the underside of the right barrel is marked with a “3”. The left barrel flat is marked “03516”, with Japanese proofs, “20”, “28””, and “*” denoting Full choke. The right barrel flat is marked with Japanese proofs, “20”, “28””, and “**” denoting Modified choke. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked “03516”. The left water table is marked with a Japanese proof. The underside of the receiver is marked "BROWNING". The top tang is marked “03516PM168” under the lever. There is elegant scroll engraving at each side of the receiver, as well as on the lever and bottom of the trigger guard.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The right barrel is choked Modified and the left barrel is choked Full, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a beavertail forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a Browning micro-checkered black plastic buttplate. The stocks have a few light nicks and scratches. There is one more notable ding on the right of the forend at the top edge near the rear. There are some spots of discoloration. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or other cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has minor wear. The drop at the comb is about 1 1/2”, and the drop at the heel is about 2 1/2". The stocks rate in Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches, mostly on the barrel. There is a small but more notable nick on the left edge of the rib over the front of the forend. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation, mostly on the barrels around the forend and receiver. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including ejectors. The safety engages automatically when the action is opened. The barrels lock with no play to the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, 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 its reliability and longevity. Produced from 1971-1987, they are almost impossible to wear out. This example was manufactured in 1980 and shows signs of infrequent and responsible use. It has a single non-selective trigger, balances just ahead of the barrel hinge, and points well with its 28” barrels. This would make a great field gun, but would also be a fine addition to a Browning collection.
Shotgun