Introduction
The crisp air of a spring morning. The rustling of leaves. And then, the thunderous gobble of a mature tom turkey. For hunters, these sounds herald the beginning of a thrilling season. But success in the turkey woods depends on more than just patience and a keen eye. It requires a reliable, accurate, and effective shotgun. Among the myriad of shotguns designed for this pursuit, the Browning BPS Turkey Gun stands out as a consistently popular and capable choice.
This article will serve as your definitive guide to the Browning BPS Turkey Gun. We will delve into its features, discuss its performance in the field, explore its advantages and disadvantages, and help you determine if this pump-action powerhouse is the right tool for your turkey hunting adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to experience the thrill of the hunt, understanding the BPS is essential for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of success. Get ready to explore the world of the Browning BPS Turkey Gun!
An Overview of the Browning BPS (Pump Action Shotgun)
The legacy of Browning is etched deeply into the history of firearms. Founded by John Browning, a true innovator, the company has consistently produced firearms renowned for their quality, reliability, and ingenious designs. The Browning BPS, which stands for Browning Pump Shotgun, is a testament to this enduring commitment. Its introduction marked another significant step in providing hunters with a robust and dependable firearm.
The BPS is instantly recognizable by its sleek, functional design. It’s a pump-action shotgun, meaning that the action is cycled manually by sliding the forearm backward and forward. This simple yet effective system is known for its inherent reliability, making it a favorite among hunters who often find themselves in less-than-ideal conditions. The BPS doesn’t just look good, it’s built to last. The receiver is typically constructed from solid steel, providing exceptional strength and durability. This rugged construction is crucial for withstanding the rigors of hunting in demanding environments, from the dense underbrush of a turkey woods to the unpredictable weather. The BPS truly embodies the spirit of the Browning name, offering a shotgun that is built for years of reliable performance.
Key Features and Specifications of the Browning BPS Turkey Gun
When selecting a dedicated turkey gun, understanding the specific features is paramount. The Browning BPS Turkey Gun is purpose-built to excel in the demanding world of turkey hunting. Let’s take a closer look at the key elements that make it stand out.
Barrel and Choke
The barrel and choke are arguably the most crucial components for any turkey gun. The BPS Turkey Gun is often offered with specific barrel lengths, selected for optimal performance at typical turkey hunting distances. The proper barrel length contributes to balance, maneuverability and overall performance. The integrated choke system is paramount for achieving those devastating, tight patterns that are vital for a clean, ethical harvest. Browning understands this, and the BPS generally includes a threaded barrel designed to accept a variety of chokes. A good turkey choke, usually extra-full or a dedicated turkey choke, allows you to focus the shot, creating a dense pattern at extended ranges. These are designed specifically to provide the tightest patterns possible, maximizing your chances of a clean kill. The ability to swap chokes allows the hunter to fine-tune the shotgun for different ammunition and hunting scenarios.
Stock and Forearm
The stock and forearm contribute to the overall feel and handling of the shotgun. BPS Turkey Guns commonly come with stocks made from either walnut or durable composite materials. Some are available in camouflage patterns, designed to help the hunter blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The shape and design of the stock and forearm are crucial for proper shouldering and a comfortable shooting experience. A well-fitting stock improves accuracy and reduces felt recoil. The BPS often features a stock design that facilitates quick target acquisition and comfortable handling, even when wearing bulky hunting clothing. The forearm is typically designed for a secure grip, allowing for smooth cycling of the action even under pressure.
Sights
Sights play a critical role in accurately aiming at a turkey’s head and neck. The BPS Turkey Gun comes equipped with various sighting options. Many models feature fiber-optic sights, which are designed to be highly visible in low-light conditions, making it easier to align the shot in the dim light of dawn or dusk. Some models are also equipped with adjustable sights, allowing for fine-tuning of the point of impact. Additionally, the receiver often has a drilled and tapped area, ready for the addition of optics, such as a red dot sight or a scope, offering an even greater level of precision.
Trigger and Safety
The trigger and safety mechanism are key considerations for safe and effective operation. The trigger pull on the BPS Turkey Gun is generally crisp and consistent, allowing for accurate shot placement. The weight of the trigger pull is usually well-suited for hunting applications, providing a balance between safety and responsiveness. The safety on the BPS is typically located in a readily accessible position, allowing for quick and effortless engagement and disengagement.
Magazine Capacity
Magazine capacity is another specification to consider, especially given hunting regulations. The BPS, by design, often has a capacity greater than the maximum often mandated by hunting laws. It’s vital to ensure the shotgun complies with all regulations in your hunting area.
Weight and Dimensions
The overall weight and dimensions of the BPS contribute significantly to its handling characteristics. The weight of the BPS is typically moderate, striking a balance between manageable recoil and portability. The overall length is also tailored to the specific barrel length. This balance is what makes the BPS such a capable and versatile platform in the woods.
Performance and Handling for Turkey Hunting
The true test of a turkey gun lies in its performance in the field. Here, we evaluate the BPS Turkey Gun based on its crucial aspects.
Patterning
Patterning your shotgun is a non-negotiable step. Understanding how your specific gun patterns with different ammunition is essential for achieving consistent results. The BPS is known for its ability to produce tight, consistent patterns when paired with a good choke and appropriate ammunition. Hunters should experiment with different shotshells to find the load that delivers the tightest pattern at their typical hunting ranges. This process of pattern testing guarantees that you are maximizing your chances of a clean, ethical kill.
Recoil
Recoil is a factor, especially when using heavier loads common in turkey hunting. The pump action design contributes to the recoil felt by the shooter, which is something that all turkey hunters must understand when selecting a firearm. The BPS, while not known to be unmanageable, can generate a noticeable amount of recoil, particularly when using 3-inch or heavier loads. Experienced hunters often mitigate this by ensuring a proper shouldering technique and selecting ammunition with manageable recoil characteristics.
Handling
The BPS’s handling is generally very positive. The pump-action design allows for quick and easy cycling of shells, and the overall balance of the gun contributes to a smooth and natural pointing experience. The design of the gun is conducive to quick target acquisition. The user interface is also easy to become familiar with, making the BPS well-suited for turkey hunting scenarios.
Reliability
Reliability is paramount in hunting, and the BPS has earned a reputation for excellent reliability. Its pump-action design is inherently robust and resistant to malfunctions. The BPS is known to function dependably in a wide range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and mud, making it a dependable choice for the most demanding hunting environments.
Advantages of the Browning BPS Turkey Gun
The Browning BPS Turkey Gun offers several key advantages that contribute to its popularity among turkey hunters.
Durability and Build Quality
Its durability and build quality are exceptional. The steel receiver construction ensures a long lifespan, even with heavy use. The overall construction is designed to withstand the bumps, scrapes, and environmental exposure typical of hunting. This robust build is what sets the BPS apart from other competing models.
Weather Resistance
The BPS’s resistance to weather is also a considerable advantage. The components are designed to resist corrosion and the actions are designed to continue operating in less than ideal conditions. The BPS is a dependable companion in the unpredictable conditions of the turkey woods.
Pump-Action Reliability
The pump-action design provides exceptional reliability. Pump-action shotguns are inherently less prone to malfunctions than semi-automatic models, making them a reliable choice in crucial moments. Its simplicity contributes to its dependability.
Affordability and Value
The Browning BPS Turkey Gun provides significant value. It offers a combination of quality, performance, and durability at a price point that is accessible to many hunters. While the price tag might vary depending on the specific model and features, the BPS generally offers a solid return on investment, providing a dependable and accurate shotgun that will last for years.
Accuracy
The inherent accuracy is another advantage. The combination of a good choke, appropriate ammunition, and a comfortable shooting experience contributes to accurate shot placement at typical turkey hunting ranges. This is essential for ethical hunting.
Disadvantages of the Browning BPS Turkey Gun
While the Browning BPS offers many advantages, it’s also important to acknowledge its potential drawbacks.
Weight
The weight is a factor. Compared to some other models, the BPS can be a bit heavier, especially when loaded. This extra weight can be noticeable during long hikes or when carrying the gun throughout the day.
Recoil
The recoil, as mentioned earlier, can be significant with heavier loads. This can affect follow-up shots and overall shooting comfort, especially for new shooters.
Pump-Action Speed
The pump-action speed is not as fast as a semi-automatic shotgun for follow-up shots. While the pump action is reliable, it does require the shooter to manually cycle the action between shots.
Magazine Capacity
Magazine capacity could be limited depending on regulations, but this is typically addressed by hunting laws.
Other Issues
Some users have reported that the forearm can be a little stiff initially, but this usually improves with use.
Comparison with other Turkey Shotguns
To fully evaluate the BPS, it’s useful to compare it to other popular turkey shotguns.
The Remington 870 is another popular pump-action shotgun that is often compared to the BPS. The 870 is known for its reliability and affordability, but the BPS is often praised for its superior build quality and weather resistance.
The Benelli Nova is also a popular choice, combining a rugged design with a comfortable shooting experience. The BPS is often considered to be a worthy competitor, offering similar levels of reliability and performance, and an enhanced reputation for durability.
The Mossberg 835/935 models offer a more affordable option, known for their performance. The BPS still has advantages over these in terms of its materials and overall design quality.
The BPS often distinguishes itself through its superior construction, excellent balance, and its well-earned reputation for reliability. It delivers a solid package that balances performance, durability, and value.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliable function of your Browning BPS Turkey Gun.
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the barrel after each use. This removes powder residue and fouling, which can impact accuracy and potentially lead to corrosion. Use a cleaning rod, bore brush, and cleaning solvent specifically designed for firearms.
Lubricate the moving parts of the action with a high-quality gun oil or lubricant. Focus on areas such as the slide rails, bolt, and action bars. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and debris.
Store your BPS in a secure and dry location. This prevents rust and corrosion. Consider using a gun safe or case designed to protect your firearm from environmental factors.
Conclusion
The Browning BPS Turkey Gun is a formidable choice for any turkey hunter. Its robust construction, pump-action reliability, and inherent accuracy make it a trusted companion in the field. The BPS offers a blend of features that are well-suited for the challenges of turkey hunting.
The BPS excels when it comes to durability and ease of use.
For those seeking a reliable, accurate, and well-built pump-action shotgun, the Browning BPS is an excellent choice. It’s ideally suited for hunters who prioritize durability, reliability, and value in their equipment. However, potential buyers should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages and consider their personal preferences.
Before heading out, do your own research. Handling and shooting a BPS can provide a better understanding if this is the right shotgun for your hunting needs. Remember to always practice safe gun handling, and respect all local hunting regulations. Happy hunting!
