The Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge: A Comprehensive Overview

The Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge with its distinctive 28-inch barrel and elegant satin black walnut stock, identified by the product number 012286604, stands as a premier choice for discerning shooters seeking a reliable and versatile pump-action shotgun. Crafted with Browning’s renowned commitment to quality and innovation, this firearm is specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of various shooting disciplines, from upland bird hunting to clay target sports. It represents a harmonious blend of classic aesthetics and modern engineering, making it a valuable addition to any gun enthusiast’s collection.

Who is the Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge Designed For?

This shotgun is ideally suited for a wide array of users, including:

• Hunters: Particularly those pursuing upland game like pheasant, grouse, quail, and dove, or small game such as rabbits and squirrels. The 20-gauge offers a perfect balance of power and manageable recoil for these pursuits.
• Sporting Clay, Skeet, and Trap Shooters: Its smooth action, excellent balance, and the flexibility of the Invector-Plus choke system make it highly effective for breaking clays.
• Youth and Smaller-Framed Shooters: The lighter recoil of the 20-gauge compared to a 12-gauge, combined with the BPS's comfortable ergonomics, makes it an excellent choice for introducing new shooters to the sport or for individuals who prefer less felt recoil.
• General Purpose Firearm Owners: For those seeking a dependable shotgun for farm work, pest control, or general utility, the BPS Field provides robust and consistent performance.
• Shooters Valuing Ambidextrous Design: The unique bottom ejection system and top-tang safety make the BPS inherently friendly for both right-handed and left-handed shooters, eliminating concerns about spent hulls interfering with vision or operation.

Why Choose the Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge for Your Next Shotgun?

When considering a new shotgun, many questions arise: "What is the most reliable pump-action shotgun?", "Which gauge is best for mixed hunting?", or "How do I find a comfortable shotgun for prolonged shooting sessions?" The Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge (product number 012286604) offers compelling answers to these common inquiries. Its design prioritizes dependability, user comfort, and adaptability across various shooting scenarios.

The BPS Field is engineered for consistent performance under diverse conditions. Hunters often ask, "What shotgun performs well in wet or dusty environments?" The robust construction and precise manufacturing tolerances of the BPS ensure smooth operation even when exposed to the elements encountered in the field. Its matte blued finish provides a durable, non-reflective surface that resists corrosion and wear, crucial for longevity in demanding outdoor settings.

For sport shooters looking to improve their scores, questions like "What features contribute to better accuracy in a shotgun?" are paramount. The BPS Field's 28-inch barrel length is widely regarded as an excellent compromise, providing a long sight radius for accurate target acquisition while maintaining good swing characteristics. The ability to quickly change choke tubes with the Invector-Plus system allows shooters to tailor their shot pattern to the specific target and range, optimizing performance whether on a skeet field or pursuing fast-flying birds.

Detailed Examination of Key Features and Their Benefits

1. 20 Gauge Chambering: The 20-gauge is celebrated for its versatility. It offers a significant reduction in felt recoil compared to the 12-gauge, leading to increased shooter comfort, especially during extended shooting sessions or for smaller individuals. Despite the reduced recoil, modern 20-gauge ammunition delivers more than enough stopping power for various game and effective patterns for clay targets. It's an ideal choice for upland birds, small game, and is increasingly popular for sport shooting where lighter loads are preferred. The 3-inch chamber allows for the use of both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shotgun shells, expanding ammunition options.

2. 28-Inch Matte Blued Barrel: The 28-inch barrel is a classic and highly functional length for an all-around field shotgun. It provides an excellent balance between maneuverability in dense cover and the necessary sight radius for accurate wing shooting. This length contributes to a smooth swing and follow-through, essential for hitting moving targets. The matte blued finish applied to the barrel and receiver not only gives the firearm a classic, understated look but also provides a durable, non-glare surface that resists the elements and reduces visibility to game.

3. 4+1 Capacity: With a capacity of four shells in the magazine tube and one in the chamber, the BPS Field offers a practical 5-shot capacity. This is standard for many hunting regulations and provides ample firepower for various shooting situations without excessive weight or bulk. The smooth pump-action mechanism ensures rapid follow-up shots when needed.

4. Satin Black Walnut Stock: The use of satin black walnut for the stock and forend is a hallmark of quality. Walnut is prized for its strength, natural beauty, and stability. The satin finish enhances the wood's natural grain while offering a tactile grip that feels comfortable in the hand. The right-hand full-size configuration provides an ergonomic fit for a wide range of shooters, promoting a natural point of aim and reducing fatigue during extended use. The rich, dark appearance of the walnut complements the matte blued metalwork, resulting in a timeless aesthetic.

5. Bottom Ejection Port: One of the most distinctive and highly valued features of the Browning BPS is its bottom ejection system. Unlike side-ejecting shotguns, spent hulls are ejected straight down, away from the shooter's line of sight and body. This unique design offers several significant advantages:

   • Ambidextrous Operation: It makes the BPS truly ambidextrous, equally comfortable and safe for both right-handed and left-handed shooters, as there are no side-ejecting hulls to interfere.
   • Clear Sight Picture: Shooters maintain an unobstructed view of their target without the distraction of spent casings.
   • Keeps Debris Out: The enclosed action and bottom ejection minimize the entry of dirt, rain, snow, or other debris into the gun's mechanism, enhancing reliability in adverse conditions.

6. Top-Tang Safety: The BPS features a highly intuitive and easily accessible top-tang safety. Located on the receiver tang, it falls naturally under the thumb for quick and positive engagement or disengagement. This placement is preferred by many shooters for its ergonomic efficiency and ambidextrous nature, providing an immediate visual and tactile indicator of the gun's safety status.

7. Twin Action Bars: The Browning BPS utilizes twin action bars, a design feature that contributes significantly to the gun's legendary smoothness and reliability. These two bars connect the forend to the bolt and ensure that the pump action operates with exceptional fluidity and without binding. This robust system prevents twisting or flexing of the action, even under rapid cycling, leading to consistent feeding and ejection. This feature answers the question, "What makes a pump shotgun feel so smooth?"

8. Invector-Plus Choke System: The BPS Field 20 Gauge comes equipped with Browning’s Invector-Plus choke tube system. This allows shooters to quickly and easily change choke constrictions to optimize shot patterns for different ranges, target types, and ammunition loads. Whether you need a tight pattern for long-range geese (with appropriate 20ga loads) or a wide spread for close-range flushing birds, the Invector-Plus system provides the versatility to adapt. This system is known for its consistent patterns and ease of use.

Ideal Applications and Real-World Use Cases

The Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge (012286604) truly shines in a variety of real-world scenarios, making it an excellent investment for diverse shooting interests.

• Upland Bird Hunting: For pursuits like pheasant, grouse, and quail, the 20-gauge delivers optimal performance. Its lighter weight and quicker handling allow for fast swings on flushing birds. The manageable recoil permits more comfortable shooting during a long day in the field, leading to better focus and accuracy on subsequent shots. The 28-inch barrel provides the necessary reach and pattern density for these birds.
• Small Game Hunting: Whether hunting rabbits or squirrels, the 20-gauge with appropriate shot sizes is highly effective. Its precision and lighter loads minimize meat damage while ensuring humane kills.
• Waterfowl Hunting: While 12-gauge is often king for ducks and geese, the 20-gauge is increasingly popular, especially with modern high-performance loads. For decoy shooting or situations where lighter weight and reduced recoil are advantageous, the BPS 20-gauge can be a capable waterfowl gun.
• Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap: These clay target sports demand a shotgun that points naturally and cycles smoothly. The BPS Field excels here. The balanced design and smooth pump action allow for consistent target acquisition and follow-through. Shooters often find their scores improve due to reduced fatigue from the lighter recoil, enabling them to focus more on technique.
• New Shooters and Youth: One of the most frequently asked questions is, "What is the best first shotgun for a young person or new shooter?" The Browning BPS 20-gauge is an excellent recommendation. Its moderate recoil, intuitive safety, and ambidextrous nature make it an ideal platform for learning proper shooting fundamentals without developing a flinch.
• General Farm and Property Use: For managing pests, deterring nuisance animals, or general utility, a reliable pump-action shotgun is indispensable. The BPS's robust construction and low-maintenance design ensure it's ready when needed.

Maintaining Your Browning BPS Field Shotgun

To ensure your Browning BPS Field (012286604) continues to perform reliably for years to come, regular maintenance is essential.

• Cleaning: After each use, especially in damp or dirty conditions, clean the bore, action, and exterior surfaces. Use a good quality gun cleaning solvent and lubricant. Pay particular attention to the twin action bars and the chamber area to ensure smooth cycling.
• Lubrication: Lightly lubricate moving parts, especially the action bars, bolt, and trigger group, to reduce friction and prevent wear. Avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt.
• Storage: Store the shotgun in a clean, dry, and secure location, ideally in a gun safe or cabinet, to protect it from moisture and unauthorized access.
• Choke Tubes: Regularly remove, clean, and lightly lubricate your Invector-Plus choke tubes. Ensure they are tightened finger-tight with the provided wrench before shooting to prevent them from loosening or seizing.

Safety and Responsible Ownership

As with any firearm, safety is paramount. Always follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety:

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

The top-tang safety on the Browning BPS Field provides an intuitive means of securing the firearm, but it is not a substitute for proper handling and awareness. Always verify the chamber is clear when handling the shotgun, especially when receiving it from another person or after completing a shooting session.

The Enduring Legacy of Browning Shotguns

Browning has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, dependable firearms, and the BPS series is a testament to this legacy. When users ask, "Which gun manufacturer can I trust for reliability and durability?", Browning consistently ranks among the top choices. The Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge 012286604 benefits from decades of design refinement and manufacturing excellence, ensuring that each shotgun not only looks exceptional but performs flawlessly under pressure. This commitment to quality builds trust and reinforces the BPS as a prime example of Browning's engineering prowess.

Whether you are a seasoned hunter looking for a lighter, more agile shotgun, a competitive shooter aiming for higher scores, or a newcomer seeking an approachable and comfortable firearm, the Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge (product number 012286604) offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and classic appeal. Its ambidextrous design, reliable pump action, and durable construction make it a firearm that will serve its owner faithfully for generations.

Product Specifications: Browning BPS Field 20 Gauge (Product No. 012286604)

Feature	Detail
Gauge	20 Gauge
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Capacity	4+1 Shells
Chamber Size	3 Inches
Finish (Receiver/Barrel)	Matte Blued
Stock Material	Satin Black Walnut
Hand Orientation	Right Hand (Ambidextrous Design)
Overall Size	Full Size
Action	Pump-Action
Safety Type	Top-Tang
Ejection System	Bottom Ejection
Choke System	Invector-Plus

This exceptional firearm is available for acquisition through DEGuns, offering a seamless purchasing experience for those ready to own a piece of Browning's legendary craftsmanship.