Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Need help with purchase of Browning BPS 12 gauge

I've been offered a Browning BPS 12 gauge shotgun for $250. It is the field grade with 28 inch barrel. Shoots 2 3/4 and 3". Has screw in chokes. Wood with ventilated rib. Unsure of age and condition is good, so I've been told. (I haven't seen it yet.) I was going to get this for my left handed 15 year old son. I don't know a lot about these and I would like any comments or suggestions on what to check on and look out for. I'm not even sure if that is a good price. Also what kind of bill of sale do you get when you buy from an individual? thanks for all your help. -tnscouter

A good shotgun at a good price, even if the finish is a bit rough. My only beef is that they are on the heavy side, but a strapping 15 year old will never notice.

Left handed, and I have one. Could not be happier with it! Heavy? Had not noticed, but I do not like a light shotgun. If it is any kind of good shape, 250 is a REALLY good buy!

very good price.
I paid $400 for a like new one a few years back.

"It is the field grade with 28 inch barrel."

Just the fact that it's a "FieldGrade" is all ya need to know.
BUY IT.

Great gun great price. A heavy gun would be nice if he wants to shoot some clays and that would be a good idea for a young shooter. Plus the BPS drops the empties right at your feet so you can pick up your empties for reloading or if your on a public land dove shoot. Go for it, great shotgun.

Buy it for sure at that price. I had one years ago, fixed choke, great gun. Top tang safety so you're good to go for a lefty.

Bill of sale that's dated with the serial number and sellers signature on it is a good idea.

I'd definitely make sure the choke tube(s) come out and go back in easily.

I have one, I'm left-handed and it handles fine. I have never had any issues with it.

Mine is the older model without screw-in chokes or 3" chamber. I wish I had those and this price is really attractive.

Great gun, great price.

I've always thought of the BPS as a hybrid between the Ithaca 37 & the Winchester Model 12.

I had one, as did my best friend. They are good, smooth guns. They load and eject from the bottom, so a lefty should be fine unless someone cast the stock for a right handed shooter.

I got one in a trade years ago and have been very happy with it. It is smooth and reliable. I never thought of it as being heavy, but as being solid. Mine has a magazine cutoff for some reason. I've never used it and think that feature was dropped later on in production.

At that price it would already be in my safe.

Yeah, i wouldn't need much time to postulate on that.

Fellows I really appreciate the help. Unfortunately, the gentleman sold it before I could get out to his place. He told me the first few sales fell through that is why I asked for help. I know my limitations. I have learned a lot and will be better prepared next time. I usually just peruse the 'Fire and rarely post so I really do appreciate everyone's time and help. I have a 15 year old lefty that I need to get something for soon. thanks again, -tnscouter

I keep one here as a loaner with several different barrels, all tubed. It is about the best option for a leftie, but it is brutal on recoil with anything stiff in it...

Sorry you missed that one as it sounded like a pretty good deal. I have owned a couple of BPS guns over the years and liked them and with the bottom eject they are nice for lefties. Another good gun that works well for lefties is the Ithaca. Model 37 which too is a bottom eject. . They are one of the best pumps made and are considerably lighter than the Browning.

I'm left handed and have one I've owned for about 30 years. Great gun. Great price.