Outdoor Canada’s gun guy appraises more of your vintage firearms

 

I have a Browning 12-gauge B-SS (above). It has 26-inch barrels with modified chokes. It takes both 2¾- and three-inch shells. The bluing is in near perfect condition, and the finish on the stock is original, with just a few light scuff marks from grouse hunting over the years; I clean the barrels after every hunt. I would like to know how much I could sell this shotgun for; if you could provide an estimated value, I would appreciate it.

MIKE GRAHAM

OTTAWA, ONTARIO

According to Browning records, the B-SS was in production from 1971 to 1987. Highly regarded by double shotgun enthusiasts, it is a dependable, well-made quality shotgun. Yours appears to be the standard model with a boxlock action and pistol grip. Browning recommends not using steel shot in this model, but where lead shot can be legally used, it would be an outstanding upland bird gun—as your own experience would indicate.

The 20-gauges tend to be more in demand, as are models with a straight grip (especially the short-lived sidelock version). Nonetheless, your shotgun should be of interest to admirers of quality doubles. The B-SS was somewhat of a bargain when it was introduced, and it will generally sell for considerably more than the original price. At a gun auction, I’d expect yours to bring between $1,500 and $2,000 if it’s in the condition you describe.