The BSS pictured is the seldom seen Grade II. On the used market, asking prices seem to be nearly as high as the sidelocks! I think there were even fewer Grade II's made, which may explain that.
I bought a BSS Sporter 20ga--that's the straight grip gun, smaller forend than the PG but not a splinter--brand new in 1980 for $400. I think that was a sale price, maybe $40 off what was on the tag. The BSS was a Miroku-made gun, and IMO had some advantages over the Model 23--like a better single trigger. WAY more versions of the 23 to choose from, as well as 28's and .410's. BSS was 12 and 20 only. The 23 is a more handsome gun, and I think was also the first sxs with factory screw-in chokes (although a lot of them were fixed choke guns). The BSS was either 26" or 28" in 20ga; 30" also available in 12ga Standard (PG/BT) guns. The photo of the Grade II is the BSS Sporter version.
