Date of manufacture for a browning shotgun

[dacoontz]

Anyone got an idea. I have a Browning 20 gauge B-SS with serial number 1937, box says 1937B47. Looks like it was made in Japan and assembled in Korea. It's a nice gun but want to move it along and would like to get some more info on it. Looked on the web but the serial number doesn't fit in with others, including the NRA's, sites suggest.

Prices seem up there too. I'm guessing around $2000 plus based on it's condition.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Buick]

Let me guess, beavertail fore end, ejectors, 3" chambers, silver plated non selective single trigger.
I received this same model shotgun as my first firearm at age 12 in 1978. Still have it, having twice sold it and bought it back. No plans to sell it again lol. They are very nice, sturdy, lightweight shotguns.

 

[SGTDan]

Daniel: PM me...I should be able to answer most of your questions.

 

[dacoontz]

Let me guess, beavertail fore end, ejectors, 3" chambers, silver plated non selective single trigger.
I received this same model shotgun as my first firearm at age 12 in 1978. Still have it, having twice sold it and bought it back. No plans to sell it again lol. They are very nice, sturdy, lightweight shotguns.

Almost correct, blued. I'm reluctant to sell it actually.

 

[dacoontz]

Daniel: PM me...I should be able to answer most of your questions.

No offense, but I'll pass.

 

[Bill Bates]

On some early Browning firearms manufactured in Japan the date codes are backwards. 1937B47 was manufactured in 1974. $2000 for a high condition, in the box, 20 gauge BSS is the going value and has been for years.

 

[2152hq]

The BSS guns made from the start of production in '71 thru '77 were mfg'rd and assembled in Japan.
BSS shotguns made 1977 and till the end of production ('87) had their parts mfg'rd in Japan, but the guns themselves were assembled in Korea.
..so the experts say...

I'm not familiar w/ all with their ser# sequence(s)& code system. Browning changed their entire system of ser#ing in 1975 to a number and letter 'code' for each firearm.
The ser# from that point on not only contains the mfg sequence#, but the model, ga/cal and yr of mfg.
They start the ser# sequence over again each year.

Sounds like an earlier gun mfg in 74 with the earlier ser# style.
But the Assembled in Korea thing wasn't supposed to be taking place till 1977.
Can't trust no one any more..

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The number on the box "1937B47" The B means 20 gauge, and that changed to 168 after 1975. So your gun 1975 or before.

This info from BROWNING dates of manufacture 1824 to present. By George Madis copyright 1988

Ivan

 

[dacoontz]

Thanks gents.

 

[Buick]

Mine is likely a '77. Assembled in Korea. If i recall correctly Dad had it and i was eyeballing it for a while leading up to my 12th birthday. As i remember we were in the old '74 Suburban riding back from duck hunting or skeet shooting and Dad asked my twin brother and i which of us wanted which shotgun. The choices being the Browning 20 gauge double or a Remington Light 20 model 1100 skeet. My brother spoke up for the Remington and i was overjoyed to be left the Browning. And Dad was pleased that there was no argument. That was a good day. Sure do miss ole Pop he would get all flustered when geese came in to the decoys; his voice would rise 2 octaves and his cigar would fall out of his mouth. Good times.