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Browning BSS History

famous wolffamous wolf Member Posts: 125 ✭✭
edited May 2010 in Ask the Experts
Does anyone know the history of the BSS? When were they made in Korea vs. Japan. Are there version (Korea vs. Japan) to avoid? I would like to know before I make a purchase. Thanks!
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Comments

  • badsbsnf81badsbsnf81 Member Posts: 768 ✭
    edited November -1
    The BSS was made from 1971-1987. Check the stock if made from 71-76. Stocks were cured with salt and can cause rust where they meet the metal. Other wise, normal used gun inspection.

    Only @700 12 guage and @400 20 gauge were made. 26, 28 and 30 inch barrels offered. 26 Choked imp cyl or mod/full, 28 choked mod/full, 30 choked (12 only) mod/full or full/full. The right barrel was the most open

    Grade 1, Grade 2 and Sporter variations offered. Sidelocks offered 83-87 in grey finish
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  • duckhunterduckhunter Member Posts: 7,687 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Salt wood in JAPAN ???
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  • GrasshopperGrasshopper Member Posts: 17,041 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think all BSS were made in Japan and any of those were of excellent quality..
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  • famous wolffamous wolf Member Posts: 125 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I know that some were "Assembled in Korea from Japanese parts" b/c some say that on the barrel and some don't. I understand these were some of the later guns. I have also read on the web that the Korea models were not as well made, but can't find anyone that can confirm that. I think they began assembly in Korea in late 70's maybe??
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  • Belt Fed .50 Cal.Belt Fed .50 Cal. Member Posts: 15 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Some of the BSS doubles have engraving on the bottom of the trigger guard and some just have the Browning buck with gold filling stamped on it. I am not sure when that change was made. It appears to be a cost cutting attempt. I would think that a gun that was made in the Miroku plant in Japan would be more desirable than one made in Japan and assembled in Korea.
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  • GrasshopperGrasshopper Member Posts: 17,041 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have had 3 and all were Miroku made...Never seen one from Korea,,,interesting,,,nambu
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  • eastbankeastbank Member Posts: 4,052 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    my browning 20ga has 3 inch chambers and is a bss sporter(no pistol grip) single seletive trigger and auto ejectors with 28 inch barrels choked mod and full. was made in the mid 70,s in japan and assembled in korea. and has been in use every season since bought and i think its a great shotgun. eastbank.
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  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,179 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I haven't played with mine in years, bought it in the early 70's and it's the same as the one described above - only 400 of these things made?
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