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6 members (SamW, KDGJ, coosa, 257rob, 2 invisible),
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Key:
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Forums10
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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 320 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 320 Likes: 4 |
Good Morning, I recently traded into a 20 GA Browning BSS. The gun has 28" tubes, IC/Mod fixed chokes, single none selective trigger, 2 3/4" or 3" chambers.
The person I got it from seemed to feel it was an early production gun and had owned it for quite some time, he also felt the chokes had been opened prior to his getting it from Mod/full to IC/Mod. So I went to check the serial number (all numbers match) and that is where the questions arose.
Everything I can find on the Browning site and other sites indicated that there will be either a 2 letter code or a single letter (indicating 12 ga or 20 ga)followed by two digits which are the year of production. So far so good. Mine has 64XXB57. This is where the issue arises since they didn't start making the 20 GA BSS until the early 1970's (1972 I beleive) so it obviously cannot have been built in 1957.
Now there is a good chance I am have or am overlooking something obvious and if so I apologize but I thought I would check here next to see if there are any Browning collectors out there that can shed some light on when this gun was built?
Thanks.... WBLDon
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,087 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,087 Likes: 1 |
Okay, I've got a 20 ga. Browning BSS on my lap in front of me right now. Mine is coded XXXXXRR368, so following your numbering scheme, mine would have been made in 1968. Correct? I've had people argue with me over this, but on the barrels, mine reads "Assembled in Korea with Japanese Components." When I got this one it had a cut down buttstock and a fairly wide beavertail forearm. The wood had been poorly refinished. I bought replacement wood form the Browning Service Center in Missouri and replaced both the forearm and buttstock.
I will never part with this gun. I have others I shoot more now, but there's an interesting story about how I got this gun. I found it in a store that was managed by a College classmate of mine. I looked it over and later told my wife about it and that I thought I was going to go back and buy it. When I got there, it was gone and I was told it had been sold. I was disappointed. Then my wife gave it to me for our anniversary.
Last edited by David; 12/02/15 01:03 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,087 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,087 Likes: 1 |
After further consideration this can't be right. I just looked at a 12 ga. BSS that I know was made in 1986 and it is marked XXXXXPX158.
I'll be watching this topic in case Larry Brown wanders by and knows something about the numbers/dates.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,760 Likes: 99
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,760 Likes: 99 |
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 803
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 803 |
You can call the Browning Historian. Info used to be on the website. He is extremely helpful!-Richard
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 320 Likes: 4
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 320 Likes: 4 |
Ed, are you talking the year on David's or my shotgun, if mine, I am not saying your wrong but how are you coming to this conclusion? After looking at the site you listed, have looked there before, if does not answer the date on mine.
David as per the site that Ed listed PX=83 and RR=77. 158 indicates 12 Ga and 168 indicates 20 Ga (as I understand it). This is for guns made from 1978 to 1987.
My gun is likely pre 1978 as it only has ONE letter in the serial number indicating it is a 20ga (the X I show before the B is actually a Number not actually an X, sorry for the confusion) and the 2 digits after this letter are suppose to indicate the year of production. Unfortunately this is not the case.
WBLDon
Last edited by WBLDon; 12/02/15 08:36 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,760 Likes: 99
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,760 Likes: 99 |
don: i figure it this way...
according to the link above, first bss 20ga guns were made in 1972. browning began new numbering system in 1975...
therefore, as your gun does not fit into the 1975 numbering scheme, it was made prior to 1975, or, 72, 73, or 74.
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,106 Likes: 339
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,106 Likes: 339 |
The 20ga. BSS came out around '71 or '72 with a non-selective silver trigger, marked "made in Japan". A few year later, all BSS assembly was moved to Korea and had a gold selective single trigger. JR
Last edited by John Roberts; 12/03/15 03:59 PM.
Be strong, be of good courage. God bless America, long live the Republic.
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 916 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 916 Likes: 1 |
The 20ga. BSS came out around '71 or '72 with a non-selective silver trigger, marked "made in Japan". A few year later, all BSS assembly was moved to Korea and had a gold selective single trigger. JR Hmmm ... this doesn't seems to account for my 20 ga. BSS Sporter, which is marked "Assembled in Korea from Japanese components". It has a selective trigger, but silver, not gold. My 12 ga. BSS Sporter -- bought new in 1985 -- has a gold selective trigger, and is marked "Made in Japan". Jay
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,106 Likes: 339
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,106 Likes: 339 |
Obviously a bit of overlap, Jay. Nothing about Browning production is carved in stone. JR
Be strong, be of good courage. God bless America, long live the Republic.
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