Hello, folks. Found this site via google. While Ive been active, on and off, in competitive rifle, pistol, and slug gun for 35+ years, Im a complete novice when it comes to wingshooting and sporting shotguns. But here I am with a (relatively) new-to-me Browning B-SS boxlock. Im at once enamored and curious.

Vital statistics:
  • 12 gauge
  • 28-inch barrels, 2-3/4 chambers
  • Choked Modified & Full
  • Early model, single non-selective trigger, Made in Japan
  • Automatic safety
  • Ejectors
  • Wood is pistol grip & beavertail
  • 7 lbs, 4 ozs


Ive had the thing for almost a year, but only managed to try it out for the first time about six weeks ago. Curious to see if I could actually hit anything with it, I contacted a local clay pigeon club and set up an hour of private instruction and coaching. The coach had me read off my gauge, barrels, and chokes over the phone, and said, Well try trap.

Showed up on the appointed day, got my basic fliegerabwehrkanone course in before lunch, stuffed monstrous amounts of 1-oz #8s into the starboard tube through the afternoon, and went home with a slightly tender right shoulder, an unusual bruise on my inner right bicep, and a few more broken clays than Id expected.

Had so much fun that Ive been back three times since. New personal best every time. (American trap, 16-yard line, wobble.)

Every time but one, Ive been the only SxS shooter on the property. Apart from encountering a stray Baikal juxtaposed last weekend (which generated a nice conversation), Ive only seen over-unders and gas singles on the line and in the racks. The shotgun and I have both gotten stared at.

I dont mind.

The idea of simply showing up to shoot this anachronistic farm implement in casual competition against purpose-built Berettas and K-80s appeals to me as much as hitting the clays does. Ive shot and owned a few exotic target rifles and target pistols, but theres something about walking onto the line with whatever you happen to have, and leaving the line having had a good day. This Browning has given me 4/4 good days.

I also enjoy just looking at it. Its well-drawn and well-made, in a robust kind of way. Glossy polyurethane varnish and all.

Now, the questions:

Ive done a bit of reading. This combination of gauge, barrel length, chokes, stock design, and weight doesnt seem ideally-suited to any one specific hunting or competitive pursuit on earth. What were Browning thinking when they offered it? Was it intended to be a close-enough all-rounder? Something to keep behind the farmhouse door? Or were they tripping balls?

And-

Ive noticed that after four or five rounds of trap, shooting right barrel only, one of the lower receiver crosspins drifts right. Stands proud enough to be noticeable by accidental touch. Ive just been pounding it back into place with my shoe gently pressing it back to center with something made of hard plastic and carrying on shooting, but should I be worried? Or is this a common thing with B-SSs and/or boxlocks?