Browning(reproduction)Model 12 vs Browning BPS

woodsltc

woodsltc

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First off, I don't need either of these and may not get either one...BUT I'm interested .... and would appreciate what others think of the two.

One is a Browning Model 12 (japanese reproduction by Miroku) and the other is a Browning BPS. Both are used and are 20 gauge. The Model 12 has a modified barrel that has been fitted for Briley chokes and the BPS has the Browning standard invector chokes. I'm OK with the price and condition for each of these but I'm curious what others think about the desirability of each of these two options.

Any word of wisdom or thoughts?

Thanks, Don
 
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Never had a m-12 but I have a Ithaca 37, the bottom ejection does stay a lot cleaner when hunting in the brush and it’s a bonus if your a lefty.
 
I'll go against the crowd and say go with the BPS. The Model 12 is a dated design and the Japanese gun doesn't pull the same collector interest as the original Winchester guns. The addition of the screw in chokes would also lower any potential collectors value. The BPS is back bored and stands a good chance of throwing better patterns as well.
 
Only ever owned one Model 12, a factory skeet gun. No experience with the Browning/Miroku M-12s, but have used two different BPS extensively and never had a problem. I probably shot the BPS as well as I have ever shot any shotgun. The first one was stolen from me; the second one my son has now.
 
I think that Miroku makes both guns.

I had a BPS on loan a few months for tests when I was a gun writer. I did like it. My late colleague Don Zutz thought it was a bit heavy and a bit of a "chugger" in action smoothness. Mine worked quite well, and if you like the enclosed action, like on the Rem. M-17 and Ithaca 37, the BPS may be your choice. It should also be considerably cheaper. I've handled several of the Miroku M-12's and felt they are at least as good as traditional Winchester quality. And all were high grade guns, with engraving, gold inlays, and superlative wood.

Based on the M-12's rep and the quality of engraving and gold inlays, I'd buy the M-12 if I had deep enough pockets. But if fancy work would keep you from using it in the field, buy the BPS. You want to kill birds, not just admire the gun at home!

Oh: I like being able to drop a fresh shell in the chamber of the M-12. You have to turn the BPS over to get at the chamber.
 
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Texas Star said:
I think that Miroku makes both guns.

I've handled several of the Miroku M-12's and felt they are at least as good as traditional Winchester quality. And all were high grade guns, with engraving, gold inlays, and superlative wood.
Click to expand...

I think you are right about both being made by Miroku for Browning.

The Model 12 I'm looking at is a "grade 1" gun, so no engraving or gold inlays.....wood has good grain, but nothing to get excited about.

Don
 
My thoughts are to ALWAYS buy an original and NEVER a reproduction. There are STILL many quality vintage firearms available and those are the ones that will always retain their value and of course you would own the "Real McCoy"!

EXAMPLE:
Sort of like buying a real Rolex watch and not a fake ...... a fake might fool friends, but you will never fool yourself. Just my opinion of course. It might take a lot longer to save up for the "real deal" but in the long run I think it would be worth it.
 
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I have a BPS that I use to shoot Trap sometimes. I find the action quite smooth and if you pull the forearm quickly you can eject a shell close to 25 feet. This allowed me to turn around and eject my hulls into the collection can giving me two targets to shoot at with each clay thrown.
 
I have had the good fortune of having exposure to a Model 97 and two Model 12s in my lifetime, and I would encourage you to lean towards the Model 12. At a younger age, I remember seeing Ithaca Model 37s jam like shots traffic on Labor Day weekend at the trap range and swore that I would never own that style pump gun.

I know Browning markets a great product and stands behind their guns, but they can never restore or replace the event of a lifetime that is lost because your gun failed you when needed most.
 
I like the Browning marketed M12 and their M42.
Just a personal choice I guess.
Very nicely made shotgun as is the BPS.

About the only change on the Browning M12 (and M42) from the orig Winchester design is they included a trigger complete disconnect in the mechanism.
Which simply means no more so called 'slam fire' operation where you hold the trigger back and close the action and it drops the hammer the moment the bolt is locked. Lawyers at work no doubt in these modern times.

Also, Some people complained about the Browning M12 and M42 repro guns that when live firing the guns,,they needed to consciously pull the forend foreward a small amt to unlock the action before it could be moved to the rear to cycle the action.

Though this is not an uncommon trait on the Winchesters when dry fired, it should not be an issue during live fire. Recoil is in play.
If it is still locked after firing and the forend needs to be pulled foreward, bolt lock is not dropping out of engagement.

I've never had that particular issue with the 2 repro M42's I've owned nor the few repro M12 Brownings I've shot.
 
diyj98 said:
I'll go against the crowd and say go with the BPS. The Model 12 is a dated design and the Japanese gun doesn't pull the same collector interest as the original Winchester guns. The addition of the screw in chokes would also lower any potential collectors value. The BPS is back bored and stands a good chance of throwing better patterns as well.
Click to expand...

I am a dated design too......Just a little older than my mdl. 12. Yet we both still work very well.
 
Let's get the collector item BS out of the way right off, neither are. The Jap m12 is the better gun. The BPS is not a bad gun but is made with modern methods and more in quality brackett of a 870 Rem. The BPS is not the gun a Ithaca 37 is either. We are talking milled vs stamped.
 
Haven't had a Browning Mdl 12 but I currently have an older Winchester used for home defense and my wife has a BPS in 20 gauge (She had a 12 ga she used for turkeys). Comparing the 12 gauges, the BPS took some fitting to fit her and reduce recoil but, when it was done, she loved it for dove shooting (LOTS of action in SoCal).

Due to a broken arm last fall (in 3 places), I dropped down to a 20 ga. (Beretta Silver Pigeon) and she got a Red Label 20 ga. for pheasant shooting.

Not what you asked but hope it helps!
 
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