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

You might want to also keep an eye out for slightly older beretta SxS boxloxks. They can usually be had pretty cheaply, are light and reliable. They are plain-jane fixed choke guns with single non-selective triggers and are suitable for modern ammo.

A friend picked up a 20g 26" one for about $600 a couple years back. weighed about 5.5 lbs. Nice bird gun with modest loads for Grouse, Woodcock or quail. It was a bit light for high volume shooting or Stiff loads (the gun would probably hold up fine but you might take a beating).

FWIW.

I think the absolutely base model RBL 20 from CSM was only $2450 if PIF at time of order. That would be a DT/splinter, straight or PG/ejectors/14.25" or 14.75"(?) LOP configuration with French gray frame, 28" bbls and choke tubes. Heckuva deal if you could find one of those.

You might also look for a Miroku or Daly (not Browning) SxS in 20 gauge. The Miroku/Daly labels don't command the same price premium that the BSS's do, and give you DT/splinter/extractor choices, sometimes better engraving, and often lighter weight. They all came out of the same factory. I bought a Miroku 20 last year for $950 (I think) and it compares very favorably to my BSS Sporters and my RBL 20. Not as pretty as the RBL, but handles as well.

You could also look for second tier Spanish guns such as Armas Erbi (now out of business as far as I know); a bit risky but you could score a real deal. Ugartecheas are underappreciated, and the Aspen Outfitting version sold as the AOC/SG is very nice and well regarded (see Weiland's "Spanish Best"); sometimes seen in the $1900 to $2700 range ANIB. For $2500 you should also be able to find an absolutely mint AyA 4/53. With luck and diligence, you could even find a nice Parker VH 20 or Fox Sterlingworth 20.

Have fun looking.

Look at SKBs as well. I have 3 BSS guns at this time. 2 20g and one 12g. I hunt quail and pheasant with the 20g guns. The 20g guns are a bit heavy by about 1/2 lb IMO. But when hunting pheasant with a 1 oz fast load, they are perfect.

I have a buddy who has collected Beretta SXSs for years and loves them. I bought a Browning BSS last summer and it is a nice gun, too. I don't think you could go wrong with either one, although I would see how they handle and feel before you buy either. I would be leary about buying one over the internet and getting stuck with it. So, I would suggest you check them out personnaly before buying one. Good luck.

The best choice from quality and value point is second-hand Sakaba 385 or 485 series. The weight will be comprable to BSS or slightly heaver then PB, but you get Briley inter-chokes, and lengthened forcing cones. These are well worth looking for especially with straight grip and splinter stock. Sadly no new ones can be found in store gun racks and most one sees is that old fixed choke stuff. Those older ones are lighter but not nearly as versatile guns. I would take the 485 over BSS, Beretta or Winchester 23 any day.