doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Browning BSS or Beretta 471

Morning guy's,
I am currently in the market for a bird gun and would like you're opinions on either.
While I would like to have one of the old classics I worry about where would I be if something happened to the stock or mechanics and since some are long out of production the availability of parts for repair.
I will entertain any opinions or advice you may have to give.
Frank

I have both 12 and 20 ga. BSS Sporters. The 20 is about 6.75 lbs. which is an easy carry though some will say too heavy for a 20 ga. double. The 12 goes a good 7.5+ lbs. and I stopped carrying it for upland when I reached my mid-40s and discovered the pleasure of lighter guns. The 12 is a comfortable clays gun. Both are very dependable.

The BSS is long out of production and parts are sometimes scarce. The good news is they don't break mechanical parts, but wood is another matter (maybe only if you are clumsy). You could find a replacement stock, but it might take awhile. I have seen four available stocks in the last 10 years, bought two of them. Own 3-1/2 BSS Sporters. The 1/2 gun was for parts. The 20's are sweet, the 12's are a bit heavy but fine for clays and waterfowl. I still carry the 12 for doves on really windy days. I own a couple of Berettas similar to the 471 (a GR3 and a 425) and I think the BSS Sporter is a better value, but the Beretta is nicer to carry in 12 gauge.

frank: do not worry about the lack of parts for classic guns. most gunsmiths who specialize in repair and enhancement of classic guns have parts, sources for parts and the skill to make most any part. with that said, you cannot go wrong with a parker, fox or ithaca. in addition, most any english made gun is a joy to own, shoot and carry. ed

Hey guy's thanks for the replys so far but will listen to more if anyone has anything.
My problem is that I don't know enough about the "old ones" and could get taken for a ride by the right person.
Frank

What kind of birds?
Gauge preference?
Budget?

Grouse & Wodcock
20 Gauge preferably
$2500.00

I have had a BSS Sporter for 30 years now in 20 gauge with 26" IC/MOD. It's a little heavy for a 20 but a great field gun. The Beretta 471's I have handled all were very heavy for a 20 gauge so I have never purchased one.
The BSS's do come in various configurations, first ones with NSST and later ones with SST Made in Japan. Later ones had parts Made in Korea and finished in Japan and so marked. Mine is a Japan gun, SST and a very fine product in an original correct Browning hardcase in 99%. I could be induced to sell because I really have no use for it any more.-Dick

I have two 20 gauge BSS's, both in sporter configuation with upgraded wood. I also have the original pistol grip stocks and beaver tail fore ends. I have had these guns a long time, one is sst and the other is nst. I consider them a litle heavy for 20 gauge, but they have never failed and seem to be very well made. The 20 gauge sporters are commanding a heavy price and may not be a god value. That said, mine are not for sale even though I mostly shoot an AyA #2 in 16 gauge.

The BSS has one theoretical advantage with it's st being mechanical as some of those Ole' Berettas with inertia triggers would not fire left or upper barrel when loads lighter then 1&1/8oz were used. To the best of my knowledge this problem has been solved long ago. I'm not trying to urinate on anybody, but all the other advantages go the new PB 471.