Sharp Grade II Browning 12 Ga. B-S/S BSS Sidelock SxS Double Barrel Shotgun, MFD 1984
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. Browning BSS sidelock was offered from 1983-1987. even though these Holland & Holland-pattern side-by-sides were very well made, they weren't big sellers. This example was MANUFACTURED in 1984 and is in Fine-Plus condition. It has double triggers and the safety engages automatically upon opening the gun. 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!
Make: Browning
Model: B-S/S Sidelock Grade II
Serial Number: 03162PW918
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Top Lever Break Side by Side (SxS) with Double Triggers 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 12 GA. SHELLS – 2 3/4" . The base of the lug that retains the forearm is marked "2" 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, "03162", a circled "SP" proof with three line at the top, "NP", "12", "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", "12", "26" and a double "**-" denoting Improved Cylinder choke. The inside of the forearm hardware is marked "03162". The left water table is marked with an "H" in an interrupted circle and the serial number. The underside of the receiver is marked with a circled "R" over "Browning" with Grade II scroll engraving on the trigger guard, throughout the receiver, and barrel latch lever. The lower tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 26"
Choke: The right barrel is choked Improved Cylinder and the left barrel is choked Modified.
Weight: 6 lbs, 10.1 oz
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white plastic bead front sight. There is a small steel alignment bead that has been painted white.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a splinter forearm, straight grip and comb, initial plate in the belly marked "P / J / H", and an Old English buttpad. The checkering appears unmarred and there are no chips, cracks or major imperfections in either stock, just a few faint lines and shallow compressions throughout. The LOP measures 14 3/8" & 13 1/2" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttpad and 13 3/8" & 12 1/2" to the end of the wood. The drop at the comb is about 1 5/8" and the drop at the heel is about 2 3/8". The cast is off. The stocks rate in about Fine-Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrels & Coined Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The right bore is bright, the left bore is mostly bright. There is no erosion in the right bore but there is some scattered erosion in the left bore mostly at the midway point. In this writer's opinion, the bores collectively rate 8/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is some faint oxidation along the edges of the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the automatic safety is applied upon moving the top lever. 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: A Boyt soft case is included.
CA LEGAL: CA DEALER: YES, CA PPT: NO
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