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In an effort to generate some interest in all types of guns, I thought I would start a series on some of the guns I have bought over the years. By no means are these the best guns in the world, but at the time I bought them, they seemed to be the best bang for the buck for my intended purposes. Years ago while I was running my gunsmith shop, I learned what guns I didn't want, based on how frequently they showed up for repairs. I decided I would try to buy the best bang for the buck gun in each catagory. To me, BBFTB meant a popular gun that rarely spent time in the shop for repairs, was a good modern design, meets the needs of what it was designed for, "fits" me, and looks good.
While living in Colorado in the late 70's, one of my first quests was for a duck/goose gun. Many of the guns I owned were not up to par with my expectations. I already owned a Remington 1100 and a 870 plus a SKB skeet o/u and a Fox side-by-side. After thinking about all the desirable features, I knew it would have to be a pump gun in 12 gauge 3" mag. Being a handloader, I didn't like chasing empties so I narrowed it down to an Ithaca Mod 37 and Browning BPS-12. Both of these guns are built solid ... load and eject from the bottom and were available with 3" Mag chambers. After handling both guns, I liked the Ithaca a little better for smoothness but the features all went to Browning. The BPS-12 had a steel receiver, tang safety, and a unique magazine cut-off switch. The BPS-12 was the only shotgun on the market in 1977 (1st year out) that was rated for steel shot. It had a fixed modified choke (before screw-in choke tubes) with a steel vent rib and a recoil pad. Besides, the Browning was a much nicer looking gun with deep bluing and a beautiful walnut stock. This started my quest for the BBFTB. Comments on other duck/goose guns are welcome.
While living in Colorado in the late 70's, one of my first quests was for a duck/goose gun. Many of the guns I owned were not up to par with my expectations. I already owned a Remington 1100 and a 870 plus a SKB skeet o/u and a Fox side-by-side. After thinking about all the desirable features, I knew it would have to be a pump gun in 12 gauge 3" mag. Being a handloader, I didn't like chasing empties so I narrowed it down to an Ithaca Mod 37 and Browning BPS-12. Both of these guns are built solid ... load and eject from the bottom and were available with 3" Mag chambers. After handling both guns, I liked the Ithaca a little better for smoothness but the features all went to Browning. The BPS-12 had a steel receiver, tang safety, and a unique magazine cut-off switch. The BPS-12 was the only shotgun on the market in 1977 (1st year out) that was rated for steel shot. It had a fixed modified choke (before screw-in choke tubes) with a steel vent rib and a recoil pad. Besides, the Browning was a much nicer looking gun with deep bluing and a beautiful walnut stock. This started my quest for the BBFTB. Comments on other duck/goose guns are welcome.
